A TASTE of the Caribbean resulted in thousands of racegoers enjoying carnival fun.

As well as racing, Redcar Racecourse put on fancy dress competitions, pirates, and musical entertainment from the Paradise Steel Band.

Amy Fair, general manager, said: "We're really pleased to see such a great turnout for the event. Every year the racegoers surpass themselves with their creative outfits and it was wonderful to see so many families together enjoying a wonderful day out."

The children's fancy dress competition winner, eight-year-old Jamie Black, from Cumbria, won a hamper basket of sweets to take home.

He said: "I feel really lucky to have won the competition and I can't wait to dig into all these sweets and share them with my family."

Partners, Kelby Makin and Danielle Joule, from Bolton, won the adult's fancy dress competition.

The annual event included local acts from performing arts company Page2Stage, who helped to deliver a fun-filled day for families from across the region with appearances from swash buckling pirates.