RECORD crowds made the weekend's Carnival a cracking success.

Delighted organisers say the borough's largest annual community event has exceeded all expectations.

From the popular opening parade to the spectacular closing firework display, it pulled more watchers and do-ers than every before. Some fine weather helped.

"It was a wonderful weekend. Never have we had so many people thanking us," said Carnival Co-ordinator, Elaine Dodd.

"In turn I would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success. Throughout the day there were capacity crowds, both waiting for the procession and enjoying the many free events and entertainment on the park," she added.

Competition was strong for the floats and fancy dress prizes.

The Yvonne School of Dance snapped up the best fancy dress float award with the council's Leisure Services Division in second place. Third was the Alzheimers Disease Society.

Other winners were:

Bands: 1, The Caroliners; 2, 1st Newtown Blues and Royals; 3, Steamhead

Troupes :1, Bebbington Sovereigns; 2, Royal Camelias (Liverpool); 3, Liverpool Elite

Trade: 1, The Limelight; 2, Uncle Ben's Rice; 3, Arriva.

Youth Community: 1, St Michael's Dance Troupe; 2, Crewe and District Youth Centre; 3, Marshfield Bank Footballers

Community: 1, Crewe's Missile Skater Hockey Club; 2, Stars and Shooting Stars; 3, Leisure Services

Charities: 1, S. E. Cheshire M.S. Soc; 2, Marie Curie Cancer Care; 3, Alzheimer's Disease Soc.

Princesses: 1, Marshfield Bank Residents Assoc; 2, Wybunbury Church Rose Queen; 3, St Barnabas May Queen.

Pedestrian fancy dress: 1, Rascal Appeal; 2, Children in Need; 3, Lyceum Theatre.

In the competitions for stand holders - Best Trade Stand award went to Ringways, Crewe; Best Community Stand to the Council's Member Services; Best Activity Stand 1 shared between Cheshire Falconry and the Military Action Area.

Tug-of-War - Seniors: 1, Macclesfield; 2, Nantwich Young Farmers; 3, Bird in Hand and Peel Arms. Juniors: 1, Wrenbury Wasps; 2, Chester Barrie.

St Michael's Dance Troupe marched off with first prize in the Youth Community category.

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