COLOURFUL floats, fancy dress and sweets thrown for children kept the crowds entertained at this year’s Richmond Meet.

Local groups and organisations pulled out all the stops in the hope of being crowned this years' top float.

Hundreds of visitors lined the streets of the town in the hope of catching free gifts and sweets, while avoiding the spray from water pistols.

The parade started from Nuns Close car park and made its way along Victoria Road, down Newbiggin, and into the market place where it met the fair and was greeted by the Mayor of Richmond, Russell Lord, and Meet president Paul Hadden.

Cllr Lord said: "This year we have some really good floats and it is nice to see the youngsters who will keep it going.

"Richmond Leisure Trust and the Duck Club have lots of young people involved - and it is fantastic to see the Duck Club, who have entered the first float for the parade in about 20 years."

Mr Hadden said: "It's been very good this year, people have put a lot of effort into their floats and we have had a great turn out.

"All the organisations involved know it is good to get involved in the community - and it is good advertising for them.”

He added: "The Meet is a wonderful tradition and it brings everyone together, but we do need more members to join in and keep it going."

The festivities continued throughout the day in Friary Gardens with live music, games and food.

The meet is a long-standing tradition in Richmond - this was the 124th - which over the years has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes.