THE Sun shone as thousands came out to support this year's Bromsgrove Carnival.

The three-day carnival, part of this year's relaunched Bromsgrove Festival, was held last weekend, July 11 to 13.

This year the parade's theme was Big in the Seventies, and although there were no trolleys it was well supported.

Among the groups taking part in the event were Bromsgrove Library, the Dolphin Centre, Blackwell Concert Band, MS Society, Stroke Association, Libby Mae's Little Angels, Action for Children and the Alvechurch Morris Men.

This year's parade winners were the Girl Guides.

There was a varied programme of entertainment throughout the weekend including live music, dancing, a funfair, a MG Rover car display, sports and even a duck race.

NEW College, which has formed a partnership with carnival organisers, helped provide part of the line up for the live entertainment, while students also provided technical support for the main stage.

The Timberhonger and Children's Challenge also proved popular, with hundreds of runners taking part.

Malawi international runners Chauncey Master and Francis Kahne took part in the 10 kilometre challenge; Chauncey running a stunning winning time of 30 minutes 42 seconds with Francis just five seconds behind.

Chauncey's time cut two minutes off the previous course record.

The pair have been training at the University of Gloucester before heading for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Race director Mark Graham said: "To see them run was incredible, and a real privilege to have them running here in Bromsgrove.”

In the women's race, first in a time of 38 minutes 40 seconds was Bromsgrove runner Sian Khan who won the Ladies Berewick of Timberhonger Trophy.

In the children’s race, winners in the three age groups were Joshua Wiseman and Emily Bibby , George Dale and Ellie Johnson, and Finn Hibbett and Hannah Dale. The races raised more than £3,000 for the Friends of the Princess of Wales Hospital, Primrose Hospice and the Basement Project.

Speaking after the carnival weekend, chairman Ian Perrygrove said: "It was very, very busy, at least 3,000 people turned out on Saturday.

"The main stage was fantastic, especially with the support of New College.

"The parade was not as big, but this is an area we would look to grow for next year when the High Street work will have finished."

Anyone who wants to volunteer their services for next year's event, or for more on this year's event, visit the carnival's website bromsgrovecarnival.org.