HUNDREDS of visitors descended on Preston over the Bank holiday for the town's annual Caribbean Carnival.

Despite fears that numbers would suffer because of the Preston North End Premiership bid in Cardiff, organisers say the historic 27-year-old event was a huge success, with people coming from as far as Hull to join in the celebrations.

Over a dozen floats took part in the procession from Moor Park to Deepdale and Ribbleton and back, accompanied by hundreds of revellers in full costume.

Judging the best float competition, Preston Councillor Veronica Afrin had nothing but praise for the day, and said rumours of police mishandling of the event were unfounded.

"I would commend the police force. There was absolutely no trouble whatsoever. The police presence was very low key," said Coun Afrin.

She added: "And the amount of work that went into the costumes was very good."

Among the groups entertaining the crowds on the day were local disco dancers The Hotsteppers, who brought a smile to people's faces as their float made its way along the route.

The group, led by 24-year-old Preston College student Katrina McGrath, from Tanterton, Preston, was made up of youngsters aged between eight and 15. And the group entered into the carnival spirit by dressing to the theme of Butterflies.

"This is the first time we've done the carnival," Katrina said.

Talented Katrina, who is currently studying for NVQ Level 3 in Signmaking at the St Vincent's Road college, teaches the dance group at St Joseph's Hall, Preston, every Tuesday from 7pm.

On the day Katrina was joined on the float by her 15-year-old sister Marie, a student at Priory Technology College, Crow Hills Road, Penwortham.

This year's float competition first prize went to the Space Bugs team from Preston, ahead of a Manchester group.