ORGANISERS of Darwen Gala announced today that the road parade fund-raising 2002 was "record breaking".

Hundreds of people turned out in support of the day-long carnival at Borough Road Fields and £400 was collected by fancy dress-clad walkers on the parade.

John Sturgess, the committee chairman, said: "We have had fund-raising reports back from around 40 charities who took part on the day and some have raised in excess of £300 for their own good causes.

"A record collection was taken from the parade which sets us in good stead for the gala 2003."