Brilliant sunshine saw record numbers flock to Tiptree carnival.

Crowds watched as 15 carnival floats paraded through the village before making their way to Grove Road park.

Tiptree jam giant's boss Peter Wilkin officially opened the carnival.

There were displays by Tiptree's Radicals skateboarders, majorettes and youth bands at the event on Saturday.

And carnival queens from Tiptree, Burnham, Braintree, Witham and Wickford were given the celebrity treatment, riding in style in the back of luxury stretch limos.

Burnham won the best carnival queen's float and Braintree was voted best visiting queen's court.

Carnival chairman Graham Houghton said the carnival, in its fifth year, had broken all previous records.

"It's the most floats we have ever had. We are really pleased," he said.

"A lot of people came out of their homes and the pubs to watch the procession and we collected about £800. We think it's the most we have ever done."

The money will be split between local charities.

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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