BRIGHTLY coloured floats, dance troupes and vintage vehicles created a stunning spectacle at Rossendale Carnival.

This year's carnival was organised for Rossendale Council by Mid-Pennine Arts and attracted more floats than in recent years.

Family and friends from E Sutton and Son created a farmyard scene for the Sutton Hillbillies float and were awarded first prize.

The mums of children on the Swinging Sixties float from Debra McLaren School of Dancing also got a first prize for dressing up as the Ugly Sisters.

Members from Rossendale Amateur Youth Society were dressed in different colours to represent moods and performed dances all the way to Bacup and first prize for the children's under 16 fancy dress went to Orville, alias Waterfoot Primary School pupil Aaron Hardman.

Toddlers from Nursery Days scooped second prize with their float of under the sea and Rossendale Skating Bears also picked up a first prize. Bacup Judo Club had members dressed up to show 24 different sports from rugby and basketball, to street skating and skiing - but it was too cold for the diver in his swimming costume!

Rossendale Football Academy celebrating its first anniversary by entering a float to show football coming home and their motto fair play.

The academy meets at Fearns High School twice a week and has more than 80 members. A group of 12 Football Association coaches teach advanced football skills but do not run a team. Any child aged five, six or seven who wants to get involved can contact Andy Sasimowicv on 01706 875878.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale Coun Peter Heyworth and his wife Lynn led the parade followed by the East Lancashire Street Band.

Shawforth Majorettes and Rossendale Breakaways were in the parade along with the Britannia Coconutters, Winfields vehicles and bears and the Whitworth Vale and Healey Band.

The Red Cross, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale sea cadets, the SuperScan appeal, Rossendale Council's leisure services and Asda stores were also represented.

Once in Bacup the town centre was closed to traffic while families enjoyed stalls and games, a fun fair and more music from the bands.

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