THE weekend’s stormy weather cleared up just in time for everyone to enjoy North Petherton Carnival.

The event took place on Saturday, when entries to the Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnival put on their best performance for spectators.

This year’s procession raised more than £10,000.

North Petherton Carnival chairman Brian Perren said: “The procession was slightly delayed after a local entry from Pentathlon CC broke down, but that didn’t put off the crowd from greeting all the carnivalites.

“Thanks to everyone for their support.

“The collection raised £12,651, which will help many local charities and ensure the future of the carnival in the town.”

Next year the town will be celebrating a special anniversary, as it will be the 70th year the event will be held since it was recommenced in 1949.

Mayor of North Petherton Alan Bradford said: “The carnival committee is to be congratulated for delivering another spectacularly successful carnival.

“The weather wasn’t particularly friendly, but that didn’t stop the organisers and participants putting on a splendid show and local people having a great time.

“With all the uncertainty in the country and the world at large these days, it is important that local traditions are maintained and I would like to thank the people involved for, not only maintaining this event, but also for making it more and more successful.

“I congratulate all the winners and everyone who took part, but I would like to praise our local Pentathlon Club, in particular, for triumphing over adversity and mechanical problems to finish the course.

“On behalf of the community, I would also like to thank the council’s clean surroundings team for their hard work tidying up after the event.”