CHEERING crowds lined the streets of Carnforth on Saturday to greet the return of the town's carnival after 27 years.

Memories of the event's heyday came flooding back as the procession of 24 decorated floats made its way through the town to Carnforth High School playing field for music and entertainment.

The revival of Carnforth Carnival attracted an estimated 7,000 townsfolk and tourists, and streets bedecked with bunting added to the party atmosphere.

Carnival chairman Andrea Smith praised the hard work and community spirit that helped to revive the celebration, which attracted stars from soap opera Emmerdale Farm at its peak of popularity.

"For me, the highlight was all the streets that were deep with people, and as the parade arrived back at the field it was just absolutely full of people," said Andrea. "It was the turnout that made it all worthwhile."

Carnival queen was Lysie Smith, and two pupils from Wilson's Endowed CE School in Over Kellet were delighted to be among the royal party. Carnival princess Charlotte Smith and attendant Harvey Antonsen-McLachlan proudly wore their sashes to a school assembly along with teaching assistant Jackie Turner, who was carnival princess back in 1975.

Completing the royal party were carnival princess Jenta Walker and rosebud Miley Fairgrieve.

Organisers were delighted that so many people entered decorated floats, and Andrea told the Citizen: "The feedback we are getting is just amazing. We've already set a date for next year - July 2."

The hope is that even more businesses will be keen to sponsor Carnforth Carnival in 2016. To find out more, visit www.carnforthcarnival.co.uk

This year's chosen charity is the Trusttilly Foundation, set up by the family and friends of the late Nicola Mapp, who was affectionately known to her family as Tilly. The Warton-based charity helps local people living with cancer, for example, by making things easier around the home, enjoying a treat or planning a special day out. For more details visit www.trusttilly.org