A ROARING success ? that was the verdict of Tavistock Lions Club following carnival week 2003.

A packed programme of events guaranteed fun for all the family, which culminated in the grand procession through the town on Saturday, carnival day.

Keith Penny, Tavistock Carnival chairman, said the club was ?absolutely delighted? with the way the week went.

Keith said: ?It?s been a very busy week and we are very grateful to everyone who supported us.

?Overall I think it?s one of the best and most successful carnivals for many years and we were very pleased with the growth and size of the procession.

?It?s difficult at the moment to say what the profits are going to be, but we hope to be making a substantial donation to Devon Air Ambulance ? and we were particularly delighted that they took part in the parade themselves.?

Lions spokesman Steve Grummitt said the collection this year amounted to £2,514 ? £400 up on last year and the best figure on record. It took volunteers four hours to count.

?We?ve even gone international this year,? said Steve. ?We had a ten euro note in the collection!?

Steve said in addition to the growth in this year?s procession, there had also been a record entry of 43 for the baby show.

And not only the Lions are thinking ahead to next year?s event.

?Apparently people are already asking what the theme is going to be next year,? said Steve.

For those who want to get an early start on their float-building, the carnival theme for 2004 will be ?Pastimes and Leisure Activities?.

Carnival 2003 results are as follows:

Parish bowls competition ? winner Gulworthy; runner-up Tavistock.

Pavement artist competition. Under five years: 1 Charlotte Gurr; 2 Zach Ward; 3 Jordan Higgins.

Five to eight years: 1 Isabella Stanswood; 2 Sarah Kellaway; 3 Guy Williams.

Nine years and over: 1 Daniel Douglas; 2 Bertie Titterton; 3 Eleanor Raw.

Baby show. Under one year: Anya Marie Turner from Tavistock. Over one year Ethan Cox from Bere Alston.

Carnival Procession: Best in procession, Abbey Surgery. Best in carnival theme, St Peter?s School. Visiting carnival queen, 1 Pensilva carnival queen. Most humorous float: 1 Abbey Surgery; 2 St Rumon?s School; 3 Tavistock Under 5s. Most artistic float: 1 Tavistock Muscular Dystrophy Group; 2 Lamerton Primary School & Little Lambs Playgroup; 3 Gulworthy Primary School. Walking entries: 1 Dartmoor Rescue Group; 2 Tavistock and District Girl Guides; 3 Tavistock Musical Theatre Company. Trade entries: 1 The Market Inn; 2 Devon Air Ambulance; 3 Calstock Ferry & Motor Launch Co.

The Lions Club presented Gloria Morrison, landlady of the Market Inn, with a special certificate and flowers in appreciation of her outstanding support of Tavistock Carnival over the years.