A MARYPORT couple have said they will take over the Maryport carnival should its future be in doubt.

Gary Hampson, who also runs the annual trawler race, said he and wife Sophie would take it on and gather a group of willing people to help.

The comments came after Saturday's carnival which attracted so many spectators that it was obvious there was an appetite for the event - but very few entries compared to other years.

Linda Radcliffe, one of the organisers, said she believed that this year's entries reflected 'the terrible year we have had'.

"Wth energy bills being so high and the cost of living rising, I don't think people could afford the costumes and the materials it takes to make a carnival entry," she said.

She added, however, that nobody from the recent committee had resigned and nor had there been any plans to make this carnival the last.

Despite the low numbers, the carnival was a light-hearted affair with plenty for spectators to enjoy.

There were no schools this year but young people from the international cheerleading team, Cheer Force Knights, more than made up for that with street entertainment that demonstrated why the Maryport team had won the world championships in the USA earlier this year.

Pubs and clubs showed that they had been rehearsing for the big day for weeks - or so their dancing and antics would suggest.

There was also plenty of 'cute', with Carnival Queen Holly Hampson and her consort Nylah Graham.

The only float in the parade this year was the visiting Flimby float with Ivy Queen Lyla Markham.

The best entertainment en route was Michael Jackson's Thriller performed by members of Maryport Rugby Club.