The procession was the longest and most colourful for years.

As usual the Fylde Coast Cloggers and friends performed to great acclaim in the Square and the Gardens.

There were more than 50 various attractions in the Gardens and a non-stop afternoon of excellent entertainment in the crowning arena.

Val Andrews, carnival secretary, said: "St.Annes Carnival is organised by a very small committee and we rely heavily on volunteers to make it the success it undoubtedly was. These people turn up do what is asked of them and then go home. To all these people, parade marshalls, entertainers, stall holders, cake makers, caterers and people in the parade, a big thank-you."

Other people who gave their time freely and added greatly to the entertainment value were Ansdell Baptist Puppets, the people who erected and manned the Climbing Wall, St Annes Library and MC Brian Hurst.

Val added: "The council gardeners were terrific. They were there from early morning until late evening. Under their trusty leader Jason they transformed the skate board park into a flower filled area fit for a queen, they put out tables and chairs, collected tables and chairs and at the end of the day you would not have known that there had been thousands of people milling round in the Gardens all day.

"Because of all these people and the generosity of the public St Annes Carnival Association was able to make a donation of £2,000 to the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity, which was chosen by retiring Queen Holly Sagar. This year's Queen Jennifer Moore has already chosen Brian House Children's Hospice as her charity."