From inflatable dinosaurs to the village people and dancing chickens, it could only mean one thing - Broughton Carnival time.

People turned out in their hundreds for the village’s 72nd carnival on Saturday.

A good mix of floats and entertainment on foot was made even better by the fact that the sun broke through at just the right time and stayed beautiful all day.

Carnival committee John Dobie led the procession from the judging field down through Great Broughton and Little Broughton.

Two of the bands had to drop out at the last minute due to illness and holidays, leaving Mossley Band, from Greater Manchester, banging the carnival drum for the day.

Paul Solo was asked to step in with his guitar to do some singing and strumming en route.

Cockermouth’s Prince and Princess doubled as Broughton’s Prince and Princess and it was good to see Cockermouth’s retiring queen and Seaton’s Ivy queen had made the journey through too.

The floats were excellent, reflecting months of hard work and effort. Freya Cole, five, was the fairy queen. It was her first carnival and her dad thanked Claire Poole, who had led on Freya’s float and had shown them how to do it, they hope to return next year.

Bertie Rayson made his 66th consecutive appearance in the carnival with his float ‘Berties greatest show’.

Broughton Legion showed off their moves with their Browton Village People routine, but it was the Sun Dial this year that won en route entertainment with their Sun Dial chicken pluckers, who danced to several songs including the time warp, much to the crowds delight.

Broughton Primary School entered on foot dressed as Mamma Mia, taking the theme from their summer school play. There were also Broughton pupils on the Matilda the Musical float.

One parent said one of the reasons they had chosen this musical is it is the head teacher’s favourite and she is retiring this year, so they did it for Mrs Shankland.

Judges presented each queen with an award, rosette and certificate. MP Sue Hayman presented Carnival queen Lexie Mather, with hers.