THE sun was out and the crowds lined the streets as this year's Lostock Hall Carnival got into full swing with a grand procession and fun on the nearby green.

South Ribble mayor, councillor Norman Crossley and his wife Maureen led the procession with other dignitaries and the borough's MP David Borrow followed by a host of colourful floats, big brass bands, pom pom dancers and street collectors in fancy dress.

Carnival queen Emma Pearson, 15, looked a picture in her 'royal' gown alongside princess Holly Bretherton, 12, and six-year-old rosebud Mary Gaffney with their attendants .

Pupils from local primary schools donned Disney outfits and other colourful costumes to take part in the procession which went from Watkin Lane, to Tardy Gate and onto Brownedge Road.

They were followed by dozens of floats from local playgroups, businesses and charity groups as well as local scouts, brownies and guides and visiting queens from nearby towns.

Later hundreds enjoyed fairground attractions on the green off Croston Road and browsed round bric-a-brac and goods stalls on the field.

And fund-raisers made the most of the carnival crowd to rope-in cash for good causes with an assortment of game stalls including a raffle, tombola and Guess the Pear.

Carnival president Jack Swarbrick said: "We had a lovely day and the weather was great. The turnout was bigger than last year and the whole day couldn't have been better."