TAVISTOCK was a hive of activity last week for 'probably one of the best' Carnival weeks since its beginnings more than 30 years ago.

This year's Carnival week had the theme of 'Time' and people from all over the town got involved in the various activities that were held throughout the week.

This year three new events were held — Peter Gorton's cookery demonstration in the Bedford Hotel, a dog walkers barbecue on Whitchurch Common, and Traders Skittles, which involved eight local businesses and raised more than £700 on the night.

Steve Grummitt, spokesman for the Lions Club of Tavistock, which organised the week, said: 'We had a superb week, everything went according to plan. The funday in the meadows I think was affected by the heat, the numbers were down, but those who came had a great time. The concert in the church was well attended and there was excellent music from the performers.

'The parade also went well. The money was down on last year but I think that is a sign of the economic times and the fact that people were sitting on the beach instead!'

Mr Grummitt thanked all the sponsors who contributed towards the week and all the advertisers in the Carnival programme. He also expressed thanks to the unidentified team of people who decorated Drake's statue in knitted bunting and signs for the procession.

The draw throughout the week raised nearly £1,400 and the collection on the procession route, which took 23 people just under two and a half hours to count, raised £2,169.56, which was just over £200 down on last year.

The collection consisted of 61,220 coins made up of 30,084 pennies, 20,426 2ps, 6,524 5ps, 1,760 10ps, 1,690 20ps, 372 50ps, 344 £1 coins, 20 £2s, £50 in notes plus a selection of foreign coins.

The profits will be distributed to the charity groups, clubs and schools that participated in the procession and the other events during Carnival week.

'Overall it was probably one of the best Carnival weeks we have had in our 30 odd years of running. It was a brilliant week and we thoroughly enjoyed doing it. We are grateful to everyone for their support.'

Mr Grummitt also wanted to send the club's best wishes to 91 year old member Frank Birch who is in hospital after falling and breaking his arm during Carnival week and wished him a speedy recovery.

RESULTS: Baby Show (sponsored by Taylor's Restaurant and Boots), judges Lisa Hair of Taylor's and Janet Steer of Boots — Under 1 year winner, Hinako Edgecombe of Tavistock; Over 1 year winner, Ruby Grindley of Tavistock. Funday Dog Show (organised by Cheryl Thomas of Kestrel Kennels), judge Lynne O'Reilly — Best in Show, Fergie, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel owned by Lisa Revell of Tavistock; reserve, Charlie, a chihuahua owned by Mrs. Symons of Tavistock. Pavement Artists Competition (sponsored by Tavistock Times Gazette), judges Ann Wroath and Chris Grummitt: Under 5 years — 1, Damien Bowyer; 2, Phoebe Piper; 3, Oliver Walker; Five to eight years — 1, Page Bowyer; 2, Elliott Piper; 3, Harry Mudge; Nine and over — 1, Megan Stalker; 2, Bradley Bowyer; 3, Alba Coucheiro (on holiday from Spain). Trader's Skittles Competition, Winners — Cakes, Bakes 'N' Shakes.

Carnival Procession (sponsored by Crebers of Tavistock): Best in Procession — Lamerton C of E Primary School (£150); Best in Carnival Theme — Tavistock Scout Group (£100); Visiting Carnival Queen — 1, Liskeard (£60); 2, Bere Alston (£40); Humourous — 1, Market Inn/Tavy Club (£100); 2, St Andrew's WI (£70); 3, Abbey Garden Machinery (£50); Artistic — 1, Lamerton C of E Primary School (£100); 2, Tavistock Methodist Church (£70); Walking Class 1 — Jessica Barrowman (£50); Walking Class 2 — 1, Tavistock Community Primary and Nursery School (£50); 2, 1st Tavistock Scout Group (£40); 3, Footsteps (£30); Walking Class 3 — 1, Tavistock Community Pre-school (£50); 2, Tavistock Area Children's Centre (£40); 3, Dartmoor Search & Rescue (£30).

Next year's Carnival Day will be Saturday, July 19, and the theme will be 'You're Havin' a Laugh'.