DESPITE overcast skies and the threat of rain, Poole Carnival 2000 was a huge success.

The event, held on June 26 and 27, was the first time a carnival had been in town for 24 years.

And organisers were determined to make the one-off festivities extra special.

Baiter Park was lined with more than 100 different stalls, each of them providing a different flavour.

Whether you were after an Indian head massage or double glazing, there really was something for everyone.

Spectators thronged the pavements to see carnival Queen Zoe Mather lead the procession of more than 90 floats, bands, dance groups and local organisations.

For the children there was a bouncy castle, 10-ft high clowns wandering around and a mini railway.

Visitors even got a taste of life on the continent as French farmers from Cherbourg crossed the channel to turn up for the celebrations which attracted 15,000 people over the weekend.

Visitors dug dee into their pockets and generously part of with their cash to benefit local charities.