PRINCESSES were crowned, crowds were entertained and the town centre was packed for one of the hottest Stourbridge Carnivals on record last weekend.

Temperatures soared into the high 20s as thousands of folk of all ages enjoyed a host of activities at the town’s 31st annual carnival.

In addition to live music and entertainment, there was the traditional parade through the town centre, stalls, fairground rides, classic cars, a flower show at St Thomas’s Church and much more.

Carnival organiser David Harcourt said: “Without a doubt this year, temperature-wise, was the hottest Carnival I can ever remember.

“Despite the community recovering from the euphoria of England’s (World Cup quarter-final) triumph the day before and ideal conditions for home BBQs, the crowds were still good.”

Councillor Alan Taylor, the Mayor of Dudley, added: “The carnival was absolutely fantastic. It was lovely to see so many families out, enjoying the sunshine.

“The organisers did a brilliant job – there was just so much to see and do.”

St Thomas’s Church won the parade competition, picking up the Percy Oakley Trophy from the Mayor, while Side By Side were runners-up.

Wollaston youngster Kasie Burns was crowned winner of the Stourbridge Carnival Princess competition.

The eight-year-old Gig Mill School pupil came second in last year’s competition but was chuffed to walk away with the top prize at this year’s event.

Annabel Murray, aged nine, from Stourbridge, was voted first runner-up, and Alesha Prosser, aged eight, also from Stourbridge, was second runner-up.

Harlie Hampton, aged six, of Lower Gornal, won the Rosebud competition, with Elouise Russell, aged six, from Brierley Hill, named runner-up.