THERE was fun for all ages as Haxby held its largest-ever carnival on Saturday.

The annual event, held at the Ethel Ward Memorial Playing Fields, attracted more stalls and activities than ever before, said organiser Margaret Moran, of Haxby Town Council.

She said: “We have got more attractions and more stalls and, by the look of things, a lot more people.

“It just naturally grows because it’s so popular. People come to us rather than us asking them.”

New to the carnival this year was a mobile climbing wall, a beer tent run by Cropton Brewery, an inflatable penalty shootout and a miniature steam train.

For the second year, six acts of individuals and groups of young people took part in a Haxby’s Got Talent competition, sponsored by The Parvin Indian Restaurant, including a drummer dressed as a gorilla, who performed the Phil Collins solo from the Dairy Milk advert.

The Carnival Queen, Harriet Robson and her attendants, Ellana Beresford and Alex Morton, arrived in a procession through The Village led by the Air Training Corps Band from York and Brownies and Cubs.

Squadron Leader Chris Rogers, from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, then officially opened the event, which was sponsored by The Farmer’s Cart farm shop Co-operative Funeralcare, Stoneplan Construction and The Parvin.

For children, there was a fancy dress competition, funfair rides and go-karts, as well as a fire engine and police van. A barbecue was provided by The Farmer’s Cart at Towthorpe Moor Lane.