THOUSANDS of fun-loving East Lancashire folk headed for the annual Blackburn Lions Gala to make it a record-breaking millennium event.

More than 6,000 people travelled to the town's Witton Park for the opening day of the carnival on Saturday, with more pouring through the turnstiles again on Sunday afternoon.

President of the club Norman Johnson described the atmosphere as "absolutely buzzing" and said the takings from the event should top a magic £10,000 for local charities.

Mr Johnson, who took office in June, went on: "More people attended on Saturday than any other previous year and it was absolutely buzzing. People were wandering around the showground in summer dress and the weather was glorious. "Everyone was very, very happy. I really enjoyed being there. The way people from Blackburn and across East Lancashire responded was magnificent."

Among some of the highlights of the two-day event was a lively donkey derby, fire and glass walking and a dog display.

Clowns, cowboys, Vikings and knights were among some of the attractions in the main ring while charity stalls, children's attractions and a fairground filled out the rest of the park.

Mr Johnson went on: "We were worried about the weather yesterday but people still came along to show their support and have some fun.

"The charity stalls were very busy and the displays in the main ring were brilliant. We had a huge millennium wheel constructed at one point which created a lot of interest and it was nice to see everyone having such a good time."

Picture: Becky Carter (2) makes some inflatable friends at the carnival.