THIRTY thousand people turned out for this year's Otley Carnival - and local charities have benefited by £2,700.

This was reported at the annual meeting of the carnival committee when it was said that the millennium event had been one to remember.

Derek Mason, carnival chairman, said: "The parade was again excellent, the bands were superb and the standard of the floats and walking groups amazed everyone."

Mr Mason thanked all the helpers, those who took part and the owners of the Bridge End auction mart for the use of the site. He also thanked transport companies Richard Jefferies and Colin Pitt for the use of their wagons.

Otley's Town Mayor, Councillor Christine Campbell, said she and the Mayoress, Millie Stott, had thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Coun Campbell added that as a past member of the carnival committee, she fully appreciated the hard work put in throughout the year.

Treasurer Anne Steval said increased sponsorship and a record street collection meant the

beneficiaries would get £2,700 divided between them.

Hasmukh Shah, a consultant at Wharfedale Hospital, raised the top £349 in a bucket while David McDowall collected £32 in a tin. The winner of the People's Choice Trophy, sponsored by the Wharfedale Observer, was St Joseph's RC Primary School. The winners of the children's competition, sponsored by Conways Toymaster, were Rowan Purvis, Alice Booth, Natasha Forrest and Christopher Forrest.

Pictured with Carnival Queen Rachel Locke, Deputy Queen Kaylie Sands, and Crown Bearer Lois Simpson, are Otley Town Mayor Coun Christine Campbell, trophy winner Hasmukh Shah (holding trophy), Wharfedale Newspapers assistant editor James Wills (far right) and representatives from the

carnival beneficiaries and other street collection winners. Photo by Adrian Murray (028-29-AM).