THOUSANDS of people beamed with sunshine smiles at the carnival that refused to go under.

The Accrington Lions wanted to make Saturday's event go with a bang after fellow fund raisers in Blackburn with Darwen were forced to cancel their events.

And councillors from Hyndburn Council praised the group for the exceptional year - and the thousands from Accrington and all over the region who turned up.

Coun Jean Battle said: "It was wonderful. With the cancellation of other events, namely in Blackburn, people from all over turned up. It really put Accrington on the map."

The event started with the grand procession and parade outside the Globe Centre in Accrington. The four bands, six majorette groups and floats went down Eagle Street and Blackburn Road to the town hall, before continuing down East Gate, Whalley Road and Queens Road to Peel Park Primary School.

The parade was followed by a fun fair at Peel Park School with a wild west adventure and mini circus, army assault course, paintballing, gymnastic, majorette and dog agility displays as well as food, charity and trade stalls.

Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "It was very successful, the good weather helped, but the Lions need to be congratulated.

"It appeared to be hugely popular. I talked to a number of people from out of town who were not only impressed with the parade and fair but with the town itself.

"They commented on the improvements that have been made to the town and were quite surprised by how the town looked."

Coun Battle said: "I watched the carnival and it was one of the best we have had for good time now. They did an exceptional job and the change of the route was a great idea.

"It went up past Victoria Hospital, on Whalley Road, where a lot of elderly people live and they all came out of their nursing and residential homes. They really enjoyed it.

Lion Tony Clarkson, 52, of the Paddock, Oswaldtwistle, said: "We had people from all over the region come to Accrington on Saturday.

"With the cancellation of Blackburn with Darwen's carnival we wanted to do something special and attract people from all over and we seemed to have achieved this.

"We got a lot of help from the police and the council and I want to thank them both for all that they have done. We will certainly be building on this for the future, like we do everytime we do it."

For information about the Lions call Tony Clarkson on 01254 385224 or Terry Barber on 01254 202495.