ORGANISERS of the biggest carnival in the North West were jubilant today after declaring the event a roaring success.

The Accrington Lions' Carnival attracted thousands of people and raised just under £13,000 for good causes in Hyndburn.

The biennial event saw Accrington go carnival crazy with dozens of stalls, shows and competitions.

A star attraction was the spectacular procession of colourful floats, marching bands, dancers and circus entertainers.

The procession was led by carnival queen Michelle Kehoe and the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, Councillor Maurice Cowell and his wife Margaret.

Nearly two years of planning went into the event and organisers say they are already starting to plan 1999's carnival.

Lions' president Harold Hardman said: "We couldn't have wished for a better day. The rain stayed away and all you could see were happy faces. "It really brought home a great sense of community spirit and it certainly made me feel very proud to be involved with such an event.

"I'd like to thank every organisation and individual who helped make it a terrific carnival yet again."

Publicity officer Laurie Denton said: "When you think about the thousands who lined up in the streets and then the thousands who came to the fields for the shows, it is a colossal event.

"It's one of the biggest shows of its kind and it really puts Accrington on the map."

This year's winning floats were Hyndburn Borough Council Works Department in the trade section and St Mary Magdalene's School in the non trade.

A giant fun fair proved a big hit with young...and old! And a motorcycle display team gave thrill-seekers a heart-stopping performance which included leaps of up to 90ft over obstacles.

The Accrington and Rossendale College playing fields were jam packed with spectators as nearly 13,000 people were estimated to have have gone through the gates.

The lucky winner of a £500 cash raffle was Pamela Carlton of Oswaldtwistle.

The whole event was sent best wishes from 40 countries around the world after it was publicised on the Internet.

A child's bike was left at the carnival ground. The person who left it should contact Mr Denton on 01254 397026.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.