DAVENHAM residents have been thanked for braving the wet weather to help produce a memorable village carnival.

The event was thankfully spared the torrential storms which hit parts of the region at the weekend, and villagers once again came out in force to support the popular community celebrations.

Tilly Gibbs, 11, was crowned as the carnival queen by Davenham Primary School’s head teacher, Phil Hilditch, at Butcher’s Stile Field, the destination for what was described as one of the best processions in the carnival’s history.

The crowning was followed by a packed programme of events, including Quicksteps School of Dancing, Quentin’s magic and Punch and Judy show, a creepy crawly show, Impulse Dancers and a raffle draw offering numerous prizes.

The theme of this year’s carnival was the Wild West, and the procession, which was led by the Liverpool Drum and Pipe Band, featured floats from local organisations, and was greeted by villagers lining the route.

“People came out to support us despite the mixed weather, which did not dampen the spirits, everyone seemed to be having fun, and I would like to thank everyone who supported the event, residents and businesses,” said carnival chairman Bev Roberts.

“The procession was fabulous – it was vibrant and colourful, and was one of the best we’ve had.”

Diana Scott, one of the carnival organisers, thanked people for adding colour to the celebrations by putting out bunting in their gardens and the centre of the village.

“The carnival is thriving, and we have had some new committee members, who have been absolutely amazing,” she said.

Asthma UK, The Joshua Tree and other local groups are to benefit from money donated or raised on the day.