HUNDREDS of people descended on Salithwaite to revive a Victorian tradition.

Now organisers of the Slaithwaite `rant' are hoping the event will become an annual fixture.

Crowds took advantage of the scorching weather on Saturday afternoon to flock to the historic Slaithwaite Spa.

Event co-ordinator Clare Christian said: "It has gone fantastically well. The atmosphere was brilliant.

"We would love to make it an annual event now, but it's a case of being able to pay for it.

"If Kirklees Council would like to take it on, we would be more than happy to hear from them."

In Victorian times, the rant was a large social event, held to mark the opening of the summer season.

It consisted of afternoon tea, music, dancing and speeches by local `worthies'.

The last one at Slaithwaite Spa was held in 1937.

Community group Friends of Slaithwaite Spa had secured £7,000 of Lottery money to give the tradition a 21st century twist.

There was music from Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, the Slaithwaite Brass Band, the Satellites and Marsden-based Slick Stick Sambastic.

Children were able to enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy show, stilt-walking and face painting.

There was a range of workshops, including Victorian hat-making and model-making.

The Slaithwaite Women's Institute laid on tea and cakes.

Town crier Vic Watson gave his services for free.

And 14 local groups and societies had stalls displaying their work.

Volunteers dressed in Victorian regalia gave the event an authentic feel.

Chris Woolnough, chairman of the Friends group, hailed the rant a major success.

He said: "I'm hoping, and there have been a lot of requests, that we can make this an annual event.

"For a first attempt I think it has been extremely successful.

"We were hoping for 3-400 people, but we exceeded that number by quite some distance.

"You are never quite sure how well received these kind of events will be, but it has surprised me how popular it has been."

Visitor Chris Edwards, of Linthwaite, said: "It's absolutely fantastic.

"There's something for everyone and we've really enjoyed it."

Margaret South, of Marsden added: "It's something that brings the whole community together. I'd like to see it become a regular event."