Up to 4,000 enjoy Market Drayton carnival fun

Up to 4,000 carnival-goers flocked to Market Drayton for its annual spectacular, delighted organisers said today.

And they praised local youngsters for getting involved in this year's procession, which wound through the streets of the town yesterday. Nurseries and primary schools as well as a junior dance troupes and young musicians were among those who dressed up as book characters.

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There were more than half a dozen large floats which set off from Bert Smith Way and travelled through the town centre to the Grove School for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

The book theme lead to floats portraying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Snow White, The Hungry Caterpillar, Peter Pan, Hansel and Gretel and the Bible. The winner was the Napley Lodge Nursery with Peter Pan.

One of the organisers, Roy Grimwood, said: "It was really well supported, we are so grateful to all those who make such an effort with the floats. Lots of youngsters were involved.

"We had 4,000 people on the Grove fields last year and I would say we have easily matched that this year."

Mr Grimwood said the nominated charity this year was the First Responders organisation, which had volunteers walking with the procession collecting donations. Attractions on the Grove playing fields included the James Dylan Stunt World motorcycle team, the Red Dragon monster truck and cars from TV shows including the A-Team and Knight Rider.

Mr Grimwood said: "It really was a great day and thankfully the sharp showers did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds who turned out to support us. Lots of teams took part in the tug-of-war and lots of charity set up stalls to raise money for their own cause. We hope to see the same support at the carnival next year."

By Sue Austin