SUNSHINE, music, a big parade and one amazing Paralympic hero all graced the Great Dunmow carnival on Saturday. The precession, including gold medallist Daniel Bentley, wove its way through Dunmow s streets as emotional onlookers broke into spontaneous ap

SUNSHINE, music, a big parade and one amazing Paralympic hero all graced the Great Dunmow carnival on Saturday.

The precession, including gold medallist Daniel Bentley, wove its way through Dunmow's streets as emotional onlookers broke into spontaneous applause after catching sight of Daniel.

One bystander said: "It was really great to see everybody clapping for our Paralympic champion. It really added something to what was already a fantastic procession. It almost had me in tears."

Town councillor and ex-mayor Frank Silver commended the organisers for what was "an outstanding event".

He said: "I give the fullest praise possible to the organisers. It was clearly obvious that all the hard preparation that had taken place was a great success and thanks should be given to all the people who spent many hours before, during, and after, the day's events.

"Thanks should be given to all of the groups and others who took part ensuring that the audience thoroughly enjoyed such a splendid day.

"The good weather certainly helped things to go along so smoothly and we should now be thinking and looking forward to Carnival 2009."

Nearly 50 floats were involved in the parade and bumper crowds turned out to see the colours and sounds of everything magical and mystical.

Events committee chairman David Beedle was very pleased with the number of people who turned out this year and stayed well into the evening for music and fireworks.

He said: "I think everyone would agree the weather could not have been better. This was our largest carnival for several years and may it continue to grow as Dunmow grows.

"Our programme was so full of activities that we overran slightly and we are sorry to disappoint some of you with younger families who missed the fireworks. We will strive to improve our timings next year. Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to next year's firework fund.