THE sun shone and thousands enjoyed this year's Davenham Carnival on Saturday.

Star of the day was Chelsea Savage, of Leftwich, who was crowned as Davenham Carnival Queen.

Penny Critchely, aged four, of Davenham was Fairy Princess, Laura Eastwood, aged seven of Kingsmead was Rosebud, Megan Hodgson, aged eight from Leftwich was Princess and Amber O'Brien, aged five from Davenham was Fairy Queen.

Phil Hilditch, head teacher of Davenham Primary School opened the carnival and Miss Vale Royal, Sarah Harlow crowned the Queen.

The day started at 12.30pm with the procession from Hartford Road, which will move through the streets of Davenham, down Mount Pleasant Road and onto Butcher's Stile Field.

The crowds enjoyed children's attractions, stalls, a bar serving Weetwood traditional ale, refreshments and entertainment throughout the day and night.

There was plenty of entertainment in the arena including the Wakefield International Majorettes and Bostock Brass.

The evening programme started at 7pm with a disco and Scottie the Magician, provided free entertainment for the children with live doves, rabbits and balloon modelling.

There was also a band called Beaver and a bar and barbecue in the evening.

One of organisers, Karen Grzonkowski, said the day had been a great success.

She said: "We had beautiful weather. It was a splendid day.

"We had an excellent turnout and we have done extremely well. We just want to say thanks to people who turned up."

l Organisers said they were extremely disappointed after someone returned to the field at night after the festivities and stole a freezer and eight new plastic chairs.

Karen said: "We are very disappointed that this should have happened after such a lovely day and everyone working so hard."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk