Thousands of people took advantage of the fine Bank Holiday weather to enjoy the first Ilkley Carnival of the new Millennium.

A parade of floats and tableaux kicked off the festivities from The Grove, putting visitors in a carnival mood for the host of attractions on offer.

A panel including Bradford Lady Mayoress, Councillor Christine Mason, East Morton-based international pianist John Briggs, Ilkley Parish Council chairman Kate Brown and her husband Keith and the town's former police inspector Alison Bennett judged the floats and tableaux based on the theme 2000: His Story and Beyond.

And the crowds flocking to East Holmes Field were treated to a display of sheep dogs herding ducks, descending parachutists, a falconry show, Cossack trick riding and children's entertainers.

Carnival president Miggy Bailey said: "It was an excellent day with perfect weather and a dry field. There was a splendid turnout - we must have had about 15,000 or 16,000 people there - and I think everyone had a great afternoon.''

Mrs Bailey also paid tribute to the carnival's patrons who donated £1,200 towards the cost of staging this year's event.

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