THE fun came home on a stunning July afternoon as people packed the streets of Ulverston to watch the town's annual carnival.

Floats of all shapes and sizes and groups of every walk of life made their way on a tour of the town, starting and finishing at Ford Park.

The NHS was celebrated, a float was dedicated to 70 years of Glaxo SmithKline and even a band of English Civil War re-enacters could be found on the streets of the town.

Mayor and deputy mayor of Ulverston, councillors Dave and Sharon Webster were in prime position to watch the carnival from the Coronation Hall's balcony as it made its way through town.

He said: "It was a really good day. The weather was fantastic and we could not have asked for better. It was a really good carnival.

"We went up to Ford Park and had a walk round the field and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was a wonderful day with a great family atmosphere. You can't really ask for more."

Julie Shaw, of GSK, said she and all of her colleagues enjoyed taking part in the carnival year in year out.

"It's fantastic. It is all about supporting the town and being part of the community. We've been here as a company for a long time, and all of us today are having a great time."

Every year thousands of pounds is raised by the carnival going to a range of good causes in the Furness area.

This is alongside the individual collections made by local groups including the Ulverston Inshore Rescue and St Mary's Hospice.

Music has always played a key role in making the carnival as lively as possible.

The unmissable spectacle of the Milnthorpe Steel Band drew cheers from the crowd thanks to their Caribbean-infused performance.

Lindy Brough, of the band said: "The carnival is always great fun. It is one of the events of the year you look forward to.

"It's quite hard going for us, with the starts and stops of the lorry."