Blistering conditions, bumper crowds and record takings marked Walton Carnival's First procession of the new millennium.

Thousands of onlookers lined the streets for the ninth year since st John Ambulance stepped in to take over the endangered annual event. And the organisers were delighted.

The street collection, before expenses, topped £1333 - £133 more than last year's event which was hit by bad weather.

This year the profits will go to the Walton branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. There were 21 floats, three visiting Queens and their courts, three majorette groups and the Wickford Youth Band and Majorettes.

Carnival spokesman Peter Warren declared: "It was the best we have ever had and I hope it will go from strength to strength. The support was great and the weather excellent."

First place in the voluntary groups section went to the RNLI Treasury Island pirate float.

Clacton Carnival Queen, 17-year-old Nicola Heap took first place in the visiting Queens' section and the prize for the best fancy dress went to to young Shaun Valentine who walked the route dressed as a toffee.

Fun time - a pirate float at Walton carnival

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