Last updated at 13:41, Tuesday, 03 July 2012

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets to watch the Barrow carnival parade on Saturday.

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The town was awash with colour and music filled the air as people of all ages joined in the procession.

Carnival Queen Megan O’Toole was at the front of the parade, which set off along Duke Street just after noon and made its way to the Market Street car park.

She was followed by dancers, schoolchildren, sports clubs and marching bands and cheered on by members of the community who were making the most of the good weather.

Megan, a pupil at St Bernard’s in Barrow, said: “It was nice seeing loads of people in the crowd.

“It was really nerve-wracking before the parade but it was so exciting.”

Megan won the chance to represent the town after receiving 180 votes in an Evening Mail-run competition.

She was followed in the parade by her two ladies-in-waiting, Emily Leeder and Rachel Kipling.

Emily, also a St Bernard’s pupil, said: “It has been amazing being a part of it and seeing everyone turn up. I was over the moon when I found out I would be doing this. We get to see all the dancers and the bands.”

The girls’ responsibilities on the day also included handing out the awards at the dance competition that took place in the Market Street car park after the parade.

Lewis Campbell, dance teacher for the Kreativ dance group, said before the competition: “It has taken a lot of organising and hard work over six months but it should be really fun.”

Among those watching the parade was Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock, whose daughter Maisie was taking part He said: “I have been given the role of poncho holder in case it rains, but luckily it hasn’t been needed.”

Also involved in the parade were the Royal British Legion Bikers.

Cumbria representative Terry Wilson said: “It has been a good day out for everyone. I enjoy doing this but part of the reason we are doing it is because it is Armed Forces Day.”

Vicki While, pipe sergeant for the St Andrew’s Pipe Band, said they had really enjoyed taking part in the parade. She said: “We have not done it for a couple of years so it has been good. With the weather not being too hot or too cold, it was really good to get playing.”

First published at 12:53, Monday, 02 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk