Horwich carnival-goers refused to let their spirits be dampened despite an unpromising start to their festivities at the weekend.

Heavy rain threatened to make the annual bank holiday feast of fun a washout when the heavens opened at the start of the colourful procession on Saturday.

But the rain soon eased off and by the time the parade of impressive floats and dazzling costumed revellers wound its way to the carnival field venue at the Old Station Park, it had given way to bright sunshine.

Cllr Barbara Ronson, who fulfilled a dual role as town mayor and carnival committee chairman, said: "There was a risk that the rain would spoil things but in the end it all went very well."

Youngsters were the main stars of the parade and one of the highlights was a display by 100 children from Chorley New Road CP School, representing each year of the school's history as it celebrates its centenary. There were also dozens of kiddies involved in the carnival's winning float in the parade from Tesco, who portrayed a mythical medieval scene with knights in shining armour, a castle, wizards and a dragon.

Another major attraction was the impressive engine built at Horwich Loco Works carried through the town on a bright yellow low loader.

About 30 people from Horwich's twin town of Crowborough in East Sussex joined in the carnival celebrations and rode on the Tetley dray in the procession.

Sandra Gough, alias Nellie Dingle from Emmerdale, crowned Carnival Queen Samantha Roberts as well as Junior Queen Amy Plimley, Princess Jennifer Pollard and Rosebud Rose-Anne Holroyd at the RMI Club. There was a host of attractions on the carnival field which pulled in the crowds, including fancy dress, a bonny baby show, a tug of war and bands.

And there was a terrific response to the carnival's football tournament sponsored by local building firm JKS.

Cllr Ronson said she enjoyed every minute: "As mayor, it was the first time I have been able to sit down and watch the crowning ceremony properly and I enjoyed being in the parade.

"But there was still plenty for me to do. It went off very well thanks to a lot of hard work by the people on the various sub-committees." The amount raised in the carnival's street collection will be worked out tomorrow and proceeds will go towards buying a Shopmobility vehicle for disabled people in Horwich.

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