FAMILIES turned out in their thousands to celebrate Horwich Carnival.

The annual celebration, which was held at Old Station Park from Friday until Sunday, was a standalone event this year previously having run alongside Horwich Racing Event.

Across three days, starting on Friday, visitors enjoyed a catalogue of activities which kicked off with a singing competition at Horwich Conservative Club.

On Saturday, events included a dog show, a day wear competition for fashionable youngsters, the crowning of carnival royalty as well as stalls, refreshments and fairground rides and even a meet and greet with Emmerdale Soap stars Anthony Quinlan and Laura Norton.

Harrison Fairground owner Charmaine Harrison said the carnival had been a great success.

She added: "Our family have been doing carnivals for about 40 years. Each year varies depending on the weather but this year has been a good one.

"Carnivals are dying out because the police won't police them anymore and it's a real shame because they are great for bringing the community together."

On Sunday the main parade started in Ramsbottom Road, before moving onto Church Street, to Lee Lane and then turning looping back round on Chorley New Road.

Afterwards the fun spilled on to Old Station Park which was filled with fairground rides and games including classics such as hook a duck, bumper cars and a merry go round.

A number of contests were also run on Sunday with a bonnie baby competition and a fancy dress competition, while a brass and pipe band and African drummers provided musical entertainment.

Labour Councillor Kevin McKeon, who was at the carnival, said: "It's great fun, we come every year. It's a community event and one that we have always supported.

"In the past we have joined in with the parade and it is just nice to see the community coming together.

"It's a bit of a family tradition for us."