The historic town of Appleby was hit by carnival fever at the weekend when crowds flocked to the two-day event.

Six floats created by local people and school children, classic cars and groups of guides and cubs paraded through the town's streets on Saturday.

Organisers estimate that more than 1,000 people turned out to watch the parade headed by newly crowned Carnival Queen, Amy Longstaff, who was driven in an MG loaned by Cumbria Classic Cars.

The crowds of carnival goers finished up at the King George Playing Fields, where the rest of the weekend's events were held.

They included flat and sack races for children and adults. Entrants to the ladies' flat race competed for a leg of lamb which was donated by local butcher Ewbanks and was won by Julie Wharton, of Appleby.

Five hundred entrants took part in the rubber duck race on the River Eden in a bid for the £75, £50 or £25 prize.

But sadly another traditional water-bournr highlight did not go ahead this year. Because of spiralling insurance costs the annual raft race was cancelled. Secretary of the Appleby and District Carnival and Sports Committee Paul Naisbitt said that the cancellation had meant that a lot of people had been disappointed. But he added that a group of enterprising carnival goers had taken the unusual step of floating a Reliant Robin down the river.

The weekend's many other highlights included a five-a-side football tournament for primary school pupils and stalls set up by local organisations.

Mr Naisbett said: "In general it was a good weekend helped along by the warm weather." But he added that for the next year's event more volunteers were needed for the carnival committee.

If you would like to help organise Appleby Carnival contact Mr Naisbett on 017683-53034.