HARRY Potter joined pirates and clowns this weekend as thousands of people lined the streets of Rossendale for the annual carnival.

The sun shone on the procession of children in fancy dress, dance groups, bands, community groups and carnival queens who took part in the parade from the Taylor Holme Industrial Estate, Stacksteads, along Newchurch Road and Market Street, to Bacup Town Centre.

It was led by a classic car procession, which included an old-style police car.

The winning Bacup Borough Football Club team waved at passers-by from an open top bus and the Britannia Coconutters, dressed in their traditional costume with blackened faces, performed for the crowds.

Bacup Town Centre was turned into a fairground with rides, charity stalls, dog obedience displays, dancing, a traditional market, a tightrope show and bungee running.

There was also a human bar football championship -based on the table football game - on an inflatable pitch and local councillors gave up their time to be suspended over a dunking tank of freezing cold water.

Others that took part included the Shawforth Majorettes, Sunnyside Serenaders, Sparkle dance studio, Pioneer Gym, Rossendale Mencap Gateway and the Bacup Royal Court Theatre.