CANINE pop star Timmy the Bulldog led the way to -- what organisers have hailed -- the best-ever Wycombe Charity Carnival.

Timmy, famous for featuring in the video for pop group All Saints' single Never Ever, accompanied procession leader Gerry Shea along the route from Bellfield Road to The Rye on Sunday.

More than 3,500 people attended the event and organisers hope to have raised more than £3,000.

Booker Hill School won the award for best float in the carnival procession with their display on the theme of aliens and astronauts. Activities included a funfair, tombolas and a Japanese drumming display.

Jim Tanner, chairman of the carnival committee, said: "It's the best we've ever had. It's been a lovely day, a record crowd and lots more entertainment this year. The procession was the best we've seen for a long time."

Mr Tanner's work for charity was recognised with the presentation of a special silver cup.

His close friend Richard Howard, of Westmead, Princes Risborough, presented him with the award.

Eric and Cheryl Scott, of Allen Drive, Walter's Ash, came to the carnival with their son Marcus, 7, and daughter Kirsty, 2.

Marcus said: "I'm very pleased. We won a garden gnome in the tombola."

Civil servant Mrs Scott, 38, said: "We used to live opposite the Rye and we would come over to see things when the weather was nice.

"Now we live in Walter's Ash we decided in advance to come, with the benefit of the weather forecast." Mr Shea, of Oakengrove Road, Hazlemere, played John Bull at the head of a half a mile of floats, vintage cars and marching revellers as the festivities got under way on Sunday.

He added: "It couldn't have gone to a better chap."

Mr Tanner, who stood as Labour candidate for Keep Hill and Hicks Farm Rise in yesterday's election, said: "This award made my day."

More than 3,500 people attended the event on The Rye, High Wycombe. Activities included a funfair, tombolas and a Japanese drumming display.

25 charities were represented at the event, which has been running every year since 1990. Organisers hope to raise more than £3,000 in this year's event.

Visiting couple Eric and Cheryl Scott, of Allen Drive, Walter's Ash, came to the carnival with their son Marcus, 7, and daughter Kirsty, 2.

Civil servant Mrs Scott, 38, said: "We used to live opposite the Rye and we would come over to see things when the weather was nice.

"Now we live in Walter's Ash we decided in advance to come, with the benefit of the weather forecast."

Son Marcus added: "I'm very pleased. We won a garden gnome in the tombola."

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