Clacton stepped back in time to celebrate 50 years of the best of British in its carnival procession.

An all-time high of £6,100 was raised for charity, £185 up on the previous record year two years ago.

Flower power, the swinging 60s, Elvis look-a-likes and Mods and Rockers filled the streets for a 1952 to 2002 theme, which marked the golden jubilee.

Party time - Clacton Carnival raised an all time high of £6,100 for charity

The procession on Saturday night opened a week-long series of events to raise money for Tendring.

Despite severe weather warnings, the sun shone and organisers said the atmosphere was amazing.

Nicola Freeman, carnival committee member, said: "We were really, really pleased with the sunshine and there were thousands of people out supporting us.

"There were storms all around us and we were just so, so lucky that we were blessed with beautiful sunshine and the atmosphere within the procession and town was fantastic. People's spirits were really high and everyone just had a great time."

Money raised will go towards Tendring Community Transport Scheme and the RNLI Clacton branch.

Ray Hansen, chairman of Tendring Community Transport, said the money would help maintain four new vehicles bought recently with lottery funding.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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