FROM the moment the first marching band struck up and the hooves of the shire horses rang out across the town, it was clear that torchlight traditions had survived into the new Millennium.

Children were hoisted onto shoulders, spectators crammed the pavements, and adults in fancy dress willingly made an exhibition of themselves, just as they have done for the past 31 years.

The theme of "Millennium 2000 - give or take a thousand years" threw up some imaginative interpretations such as the Celebrity's Choice, Noah's Rocket by Grayrigg Young Farmers Club.

Adding the final touches to the float, club secretary Claire Todd said: "We wanted to combine a farming theme with the new Millennium so we are dressed as animals going into a Millennium rocket two-by-two.

We are just here to have a good time, we really don't care if we win or lose."

Other eye-catching entries were the flamboyantly attired Barracudas of Barrow, who lifted the roof with delight when they took both the prizes for senior band and best in procession.

Director Julie Hamerton said: "There are more than 50 of us here taking part.

We wouldn't miss the torchlight, everybody looks forward to it and we have a great time."

'Toot Sweet', the vintage Windermere Fire Engine, making her swansong appearance in public, was rewarded for her fine looks and years of service when owner Norman Oak was awarded the prize for best newcomer.

Five former Windermere firemen met up to parade the 1938 Leyland Cub Pump Escape around the town.

"It is good to be back up here," said former station officer Thomas Bland from behind the wheel.

Colleague Lloyd Jewell said: "This is a bit of a reunion and should be a fun night."

Scores of school children from both the Ghyllside Primary School and the Beck Community Centre dressed as little black Millennium bugs and green aliens and Stramongate Primary School staged its own version of Millennium night, complete with Pyramids, Big Ben and an Eiffel tower.

It was a night of surprises, for not only did the skies stay dry but a 35-feet Salmon, created by English Nature, swam over rather than under, the flood-lit Nether and Miller bridges, promoting a voice from the crowd to shout, "That must be the one that got away."

Among the dignitaries outside Kendal Town Hall was Kendal Mayor Coun Tom Claire, who declared the procession to be "as good as ever".

"The organisers are to be congratulated for putting on such an amazing spectacle," he said.

Sporting her trademark T-shirt and jeans - complete with faintly grass-stained knees - Ground Force star Charlie Dimmock remained as fresh as a daisy to the bitter end when she joined her fellow celebrities at the presentation ceremony.

She told the Gazette: "It is a pity I didn't get to see much of the town because it was all in darkness but the torchlight procession was marvellous, the kids were all so cute.

I had a good time but it did get a bit chilly sitting on the back of the Jag."

Emmerdale's Eric Pollard was also in fine form: "The atmosphere has been electric tonight, I even got a few laughs for my attempts at dancing with the Morris Dancers."

A delighted, if exhausted Ron Clancy said that the night had been "absolutely brilliant and the biggest torchlight ever."