HUNDREDS of people lined the streets to watch a cavalcade of colour in Burnley's first inter-community carnival.

The cops and robbers-themed event was made possible when the Rank Foundation charity, a national body that helps promote leadership among young people, gave a £90,000 grant to police last year.

The money is being spent over three years supporting projects in the town aimed at improving community cohesion.

As well as the carnival parade, which was branded a huge success by police, the money will pay for a "Bridge the Gap" project aimed at breaking down barriers between young and old.

Organised by the Brunshaw Action Group and community beat manager PC Janet Cowley, themed floats were the order of the day including a police float, a Grease-themed float with music and singing and a Harry Potter-style float filled with little wizards and witches.

Dancing from Sandersons Dance and Fitness Centre, a display by the Burnley Majorettes and a performance by the Blackpool Poco Loco School of Samba also helped ensure the crowd enjoyed the vast array of entertainment.

Superintendent Steve Hartley, who was at the event with his family, said: "The event was about building bridges in the community and showing the human face of the police, which we were successful in doing.

"We hope that we'll be able to build on the success of this year's carnival parade and repeat it again next year."