THOUSANDS of people enjoyed an annual carnival on Saturday.

The Lanchester Lions Carnival took place despite the threat of heavy rain that loomed all day.

But the weather stayed dry until it was over, and then the heavens opened.

It started with a procession of floats and included an array of stalls on the village green.

There were Morris dancers and performances from Lanchester Operatic Society, Lanchester Brass Band and the Karen Stewart Dance Academy.

People were encouraged to join in the fancy dress theme of birthdays, because the Lions was founded 40 years ago.

Founding Lion Arthur Maughan, 70, who received an MBE in the honours list last week, said: "We had an excellent day and it was as successful as ever.

"We were worried about the rain, but it held off and was lovely and warm until the end of the day.

"It seems as though the gods were smiling on us."