RECORD-BREAKING - that's the only way to describe this year's St Annes Charity Carnival.

Saturday's spectacle (July 10) was bigger and better then ever, drew bigger crowds and even brought out the sun for what was one of the hottest days of the years.

Publicity had been stepped up this year with the appointment of a public relations officer, Caroline Livesey.

And it paid off as thousands turned up throughout the day either to watch the procession or enjoy the fun in Ashton Gardens.

Says Caroline: "We had 41 floats entering, more than ever before, more visiting queens, the fair in Ashton Gardens was bigger and we sold out of all the programmes the day before which has never happened.

"Obviously the weather helped, but we went to see more people face to face to invite them to take part which made a difference.

"The committee will now have a meeting to see what worked well and what we can alter to really go for it in Millennium year."

Those who made the best effort to turn up in fancy dress and decorate their floats were duly rewarded with prizes given in seven different categories.

Church Road Methodist Church won top Sunday school float, the White Church scooped best visiting queen and the Ormerod Trust took the honours in the adult general tableaux section.

There were prizes too for 15th Lytham St Annes Scout troop, Philip Cox who donned a Star Wars costume, the Grange Nursing Home and a young Millennium Bug who scooped the children's fancy dress prize.

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