MORE than 25,000 visitors flocked to Stourport at the weekend to enjoy the town's historic 75th carnival - the first time it has been staged over two days.

And organisers say hundreds of pounds has been raised from the fun in aid of town charities.

Attractions on Saturday included river and land parades, performances by Ballroom Glitz and the Stourport High School Band, the Hagley Falcon Display Team and the Vander Brothers Millennium Wheel.

The wheel proved so popular the trained stuntmen agreed to stay and perform on Sunday despite originally being booked for Saturday alone.

On Sunday visitors were treated to the Teme Valley Aerobic Challenge and shows by the British Legion Youth Band and Pantonic All Stars Steel Band.

Carnival Queen Marie Fincher set a new milestone by becoming the first person to have appeared as rosebud, princess and queen at separate Stourport carnivals.

Publicity officer Pete Roberts said: "We had visitors from Devon, London and Bristol as well as some from our twin town Villeneuve-le-Roi which was very pleasing.

"Everybody had a great time and the standard of floats and walkers was better than ever.

"The best dressed shop window award sponsored by Stourport Business Association was won by the Red Cross shop."

He added there were 28 entries in the land parade for which 11 individuals scooped different winners prizes, and 27 entrants took part in the two river parades to battle it out for 13 winners prizes.