CORONATION Street actress Jennie McAlpine swapped Weatherfield for Accrington in 2007 when she was one of the special guests for the town’s carnival.

Jennie, pictured trying to catch a sweet thrown to her as she led the procession in an open topped sports car, was joined in the parade by fellow soap star Ryan Thomas, who played Jason in the show.

Excited crowds braved the showers to see Bury-born Jennie, Fiz in the TV soap, and a colourful procession of floats in the carnival which organisers said had raised significant sums for local charities.