A CITY enjoyed a colourful break from everyday life when the sun shone on the an annual celebration of the community's patron saint.

A dozen floats and more than 20 vintage cars joined the carnival procession to mark St Wilfrid's Day in Ripon on Saturday.

And, while the noisy parade followed a route around the streets, a funfair returned to the market place after a two-year absence.

"It was absolutely brilliant," said organiser Teresa Baier. "I don't know why, but everyone seemed determined to make this year one of the best.

"Local shops and businesses are always an important part of the event but they were fantastic this year, while everyone else seemed determined to enjoy themselves.

"Our street collections are up - probably because there were more people around due to the fair's return - but it was an exceptional day all round."

Winner of the prize for the best overall float was the Cathedral Playgroup, which chose Singin' in the Rain as a theme.

Other awards went to Ripon Bowling Club, which won the prize for the Best Decorated Float with All That Glitters; Ripon Morris Dancers, who were judged the Most Entertaining members of the procession; and R B Tayor, Best Commercial Float for Running Bear.

The prize for the Best Street Entrant went to the Berrygate Bunch, for Bugsy Malone; Best Pub was The Station; Best Newcomers were the staff of Cloud Nine Fitness Centre; while Red Triangle Drama Group, from Ripon YMCA, won the prize for the Best School or Youth Club.