CARNIVAL fever came to town on Saturday as thousands of people lined the streets and later packed into Sanders Park helping to make this year's event one of the biggest and best ever.

Pubs, businesses, town groups and scores of onlookers soaked up the atmosphere and helped to raise thousands of pounds for the Princess of Wales Community Hospital.

Crowds gathered along High Street as the procession made its way from Recreation Ground to Sanders Park.

The parade boasted three Robin Hood and three horror floats, as well as Under the Sea, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Christmas Comes Early.

Bromsgrove-based Someone at the Door samba band had their own float which helped to keep the waiting crowds in a party mood.

Rubery Youth Marching Band, the Silver Shadow Majorettes and the fourth Bromsgrove Guides and second St John's Brownies followed them.

Travelling at the head of the procession were Cecily and Michael Lunn - who between them have been involved with the League of Friends of the Princess of Wales Hospital for more than 30 years.

Attractions in the park including two marquees housing a craft fair and community stalls, funfair, an afternoon of arena events, scores of stalls and the ever-popular BRMB roadshow.

Carnival committee chairman Jeff Evans said: "It was a superb day - absolutely brilliant.

"It was truly a mega carnival."

The Greyhound, in Worcester Road, clinched best pub float for the fourth year in succession and also scooped a trophy for collecting the most cash - an amazing £770.

The best non-commercial float was taken by Run for Home/Retreat DIY and best commercial float was won by Weavers Plc.

The fourth Guides and second St John's Brownies won best walking group.

Raffle winners were ticket numbers 0220 (Palfrey), 4439 (Everton) and 5265 (Summers).

Jeff and his wife, Julie, have a collection of lost property to claim call (01527) 576251.