IT was business as usual for Radcliffe carnival at the weekend despite fears that safety measures would spoil the fun.

It was thought at one time that people would be stopped from riding on floats and cars in the procession, a traditional part of any carnival.

But an 11th hour phone call from the council gave the go-ahead for the fun to start.

Mrs Hilda Vevers, a member of the carnival committee, explained: "I got a phone call to say that people could sit on the wagons and the girls could ride on top of the cars. I was so pleased. It meant we could have the carnival that we wanted."

The regulations followed a legal bid to sue the police by a man who fell under the wheels of a float in Cheltenham. However, the case was later dropped.

The 39th carnival started at 11am on Saturday at the Red Bank Playing Fields, in Unsworth Street, with the opening of Silcocks fair. Hundreds of youngsters queued to ride the stomach-churning Space Loop and waltzers, while others sampled other fairground treats like candyfloss, hotdogs and burgers.

Spectators lined the streets to watch the procession, and the weather managed to stay fine long enough for the parade of floats and cars.

The queens and their retinues led the parade, and returned to the Queen's Arena. Last year's carnival queen, Sarah-Elizabeth Wiles, is to continue representing Radcliffe for another 12 months, along with her retinue.

Other floats were equally well turned out, with Winnie the Pooh, underwater and jungle themes, led by the Radcliffe Brass Band.

At the field, dancers and majorettes from across the region entertained the visitors, along with games and stalls and traditional sideshows. The Radcliffe Army Cadet Force were on hand to recruit members and offer career advice. The Dai Ichi Ryu martial arts group, from Adelphi Street, in Radcliffe, also put on a display.

And car enthusiasts enjoyed a display of classic cars which included an E-Type Jaguar, MG and a Fiat 850.

The sun made an appearance on Sunday, and attracted more people to the carnival car boot sale and the rest of the weekend's festivities.

First places for the best floats in the parade's different categories included the Bury Stroke Club, the Fisherman's Friends vintage vehicle and the Dai Ichi Ryu martial arts club.