BLAZING sunshine brought out record crowds for the annual Darton Carnival at the weekend.
Hundreds of families descended on Longfields Park on Sunday to enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun courtesy of organisers, the Friends of Darton Park.
It kicked off with an under-11s fancy dress parade from the car park on Church Street which led the way up to the carnival site.
The procession of tin men, mummys, ghosts and bees, to name a few, arrived to a well-deserved round of applause from proud parents and visitors.
The carnival was a hive of activity throughout the day with dozens of stalls drumming up interest as well as the usual food, refreshments and games to enjoy.
Darton High pupils dominated the day as they roused some cheerful spirits in the crowds as part of their GCSE Citizenship course.
Other entertainment included an energetic display from the majorettes, a performance by a youth jazz band, a dry stone walling demonstration, dancing, a dog show, five-a-side football, horse rides, a vintage car stall - all complemented by a well-equipped beer tent for the thirsty and top-class coffee stall for those abstaining from the ale.
Coun Linda Burgess was on hand to do her bit for the community by patrolling the gates and entrances to make sure everybody had paid their entrance fee.
Friends of Darton Park chairman and organiser, Rodney Parkinson, was a blur in a hi-vis vest as he and a dedicated team of volunteers spent most of the day rushing around in the scorching heat to make sure everything ran to plan for visitors.
