THOUSANDS flocked to St Mary's Park to make sure that Prestwich Carnival wasn't hijacked by the typical British summer weather.

Fun seekers turned out in force after a slow, rain-soaked start, with visitor numbers well up on last year's sun-drenched event.

The attractions were "bigger and better" than ever and the organising team, which pulled off a carnival rescue operation in 1998, went to town with two action-packed arenas.

Arena One had a range attractions from line dancing and fitness demonstrations to the Prestwich School's Dance Challenge and a lasso demonstration. Once again Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, made his own bid for footballing glory with his penalty shoot out contest.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the traditional Court of Queens was the crowning of 15-year-old Sharon Cowell as Carnival Queen. The Knockout Challenge in Arena Two proved a successful addition to the programme - and the Bury Times got in on the act. Pictured having a go is special publications sales executive Pete Mayo.

The team from GM Police eventually lifted the honours while a brave effort from staff of the Bury Times Group saw the team finish second from last.

On the stands, Broughton House Ex-Servicemen's Home, Bury Hospice, the Rotary Club of Prestwich and Prestwich Lions Club were just some of many handing out leaflets and raising cash.

Business was brisk in the beer tent while the Pride of Prestwich Pavilion, NSPCC Children's Tent and Craft Tent also attracted lots of people.

The Mayor of Mayoress of Bury, Councillor John and Mrs Anne Costello, were just some of those who parted with their cash to help boost the coffers of local causes. The carnival procession swayed to the rhythm of musicians from the Manchester School of Samba with the Latin spirit helping the hundreds of spectators who lined the route forget the rain.

The St Patrick's Pipe Band and the Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade, were also in the line-up with youngsters from Class Act youth theatre group, Drinkwater Warriors football club, Prestwich Lions roller hockey team and visiting carnival royalty.

Police thanked drivers for their patience throughout the parade and the only incident of the day occurred when a competitor in the Knockout Challenge bruised her back during the post-contest celebrations! She was checked over by members of St John Ambulance before being taken to North Manchester General Hospital for x-rays and later released.

Councillor Paul Nesbit, Carnival committee chairman, described the day as "absolutely brilliant" despite a few organisational hitches.

"I thought it was absolutely fantastic. Once again it was about the community working together and we have proven that success does come when everybody works together," he said.

"Next year we are looking forward to three days of events for the millennium. We don't know what we are going to do at this stage but we will need even more help and more ideas."

Everyone is welcome at the next meeting of the carnival committee on Wednesday, July 7, and he added: "We have no idea how much money we raised but I would ask those who have promised sponsorship but have not yet paid, or have an outstanding account with the committee, to honour their commitment.

"The money is not ours; it is money raised for charities and they badly need it."

Local MP Ivan Lewis said: "The day was a great success and has raised a great deal of money for charity. The turnout was absolutely fantastic and is testimony to the hard work of the carnival committee."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.