THIS year's Stourport Land and River Carnival has been hailed a "tremendous success" by delighted organisers.

A crowd of about 25,000 revellers descended on the town on Saturday to sample the sights and sounds of the 80th anniversary event.

Carnival press officer, Pete Roberts, thanked the crowds for their generosity and estimated that "thousands of pounds" have been raised for good causes.

He added: "It is certainly one of the best carnivals ever and the whole day was just fantastic.

"I take my hat off to all the people who got involved and joined in the spirit of the day. It was especially nice to see so many new people mingling with the familiar faces."

The sun shone on the extravaganza, with entries for the both the river and land parades up on last year's figures.

Chris Hopkins, chairman of the Stourport Land and River Carnival Society, said he believed it was the best carnival ever.

He explained: "I am just so thrilled because the whole day was just brilliant and the support it received was amazing.

"I was at the head of the land parade and you could actually feel the buzz of excitement as it made its way across the bridge.

"When you see the beaming smiles on the kids' faces as the floats pass by it really does make all the hard work worthwhile."

Organisers, who work all year round on a voluntary basis, are asking Stourport charities to submit applications for a share of the money raised.

Applications should include a letter of explanation and can be sent to Pete Roberts at Pete's Prints, 26 Bridge Street, Stourport.

On parade for cash prizes

PARADE winners at this year's carnival received increased prize money of £50 for floats and £20 for walkers.

The winners in the pedestrian categories were:

Class 1 ( individual), Edna Willetts; Class 2 (decorated group), Mr and Mrs Lashford; Class 3 (small vehicle), Lauren Bourne and family.

Successful in the float categories were: Class 8 (charity and welfare), Severn Rescue; Class 9 (non-industrial), Stourport Churches; Class 10 (uniformed groups), 5th and 6th Stourport Brownies; Class 11 (non-industrial children), Newtown Residents;

Class 13 (industry and commerce), The Royal Livestock Show 1925; Class 14 (vintage vehicles), The KGB group; Class 15 (public houses), The Bird in Hand, Stourport.