THE storm clouds did send everyone inside - but Longwood Sing still went ahead.

The threatening weather forced the singers to abandon their usual spot near Nab End Tower.

Instead, they went into nearby St Mark's Church, to make sure no-one was singing in the rain.

But the 131st sing was still a huge success. Hundreds of people gathered at the summons of the church bells to carry on a the tradition of The Mother of All Sings.

The event got this title because it is believed Longwood sparked a clutch of copy-cat sings in the West Riding.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Mary Harkin, and Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford were among those gathered at the church.

Ms Mountford said: "It is wonderful that people can come together like this once a year and have a good sing.

"I try to get along whenever I can because I enjoy it so much. It is a shame we could not hold in out in the open, but at least everyone stayed dry and warm in the church.

"I was telling some people from other areas of Yorkshire about some of the great traditions we have here in the Colne Valley, especially in music.

"I told them about Longwood Sing and they were amazed - and jealous - that something like this was still going on," added Ms Mountford.

"I think anything we have that makes other people jealous should be celebrated."

Sing president Dr Bert Jindal welcomed everyone to the event. He said it was special that so many people could come together, putting differences aside.

"We like to welcome everybody and anybody to take part and sing along."

Hymns included All Things Bright and Beautiful and the traditional Longwood Sing finale, Jerusalem. Music was by Golcar Band and the organist was Dr Geoffrey Lockwood.

Meanwhile, eccentric Jake the Rake, of Lindley Moor, has long campaigned for some non-religious songs to be included in the sing, to suit all tastes.

He has penned his own song championing the event.

Although he decided not to try to get the masses to join with his seminal work, Anthem Of Longwood Sing, Jake did hold his own unplugged gig before the official event.

He said: "I have not been for a long time, because I think a few of the people did not take kindly last time I started singing The Anthem Of The Longwood Sing.

"A lot of people will go to the Mother of all Sings who are not religious and just enjoy a good old sing- song. My tune is perfect for them.

"If it was included every year I think more people would come," added Jake.

He did not manage to convince the committee to include his song - but his impromptu performance did get a muted round of applause from passers-by.