ADLINGTON was ablaze with colour and cheer this weekend as it celebrated its annual carnival.

Some 61 floats, of all shapes and sizes, were decorated in glitz and glamour and paraded through the village for the highlight of the four-day event.

The procession was started by veteran carnival-goer, 101-year-old Mrs Speke. and wended its way down Church Street, Rawlinson Lane, up to Chorley Road and back along Railway Road, much to the joy of the crowd that lined the route.

The sun shone down and people cheered as the colourful wagons slowly passed by.

Afterwards, the party moved on to the field for the crowning of the carnival royalty and the presentation of prizes. Overall float winners were Chorley Young Farmers with their Noah's Arc, but there were lots of other prizes and awards for different catergories.

Carnival committee press officer Colin Prescott said: "There were probably about 15 to 20 per cent more people than last year. The weather was reasonable for the most part."

On the field there was plenty of fun and games and entertainment for all. Kiddies squealed as they clambered aboard funfair rides, and ducked and dived along the army assault course.

Parents sat back and enjoyed the entertainment led by Bullseye star Jim Bowen, with music from The Tally Ho band. Explosives kept the audience on their toes as Jumpin' Jake Semtex did his turn.

The carnival continued through the evening with an international all star cabaret, performing in the marquee, where entertainment was provided by the Day Trippers, Night Games, Candlewick Green and Joey Kaye.

Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse on Sunday but that didn't stop the five-a-side football, children's races, the ever-popular dog show, and the madcap antics of It's a Knockout.

Emmerdale star Richie Carter tried to lift up people's spirits but in the end, it was over to the arena to dry off.