HUNDREDS of people took the streets of Bacup in the sunshine to join the Rossendale Carnival procession.

To tie in with the Olympics the theme this year was rings and lots of imagination went into the brightly coloured costumes worn by those who took part.

People lined the streets to watch Sunday's procession, which went from Baldwin Street, in Stacksteads, all the way into Bacup town centre.

Entertainment was provided by a group of African samba dancers and a Banghra band among others.

Carnival co-ordinator Pete Gill said the annual event had been a great success.

He said: "The atmosphere was fantastic and we had beautiful weather. It was a really colourful procession which involved lots of local groups and organisations.

"We were particularly pleased with the number of schools that got involved this year."