THE annual Island Park Party returned to Hatherleigh last weekend, unveiling the town carnival's royalty.

The party is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Hatherleigh Carnival, which takes place on November 10. Each year the carnival committee needs to raise between £6,000 and £7,000 to run the event.

Dawn Stevens, secretary for Hatherleigh Carnival said: 'It was a good evening, there were a lot of people there and the barbecue and bars were very busy. It was the first time for a long time it was a dry day, but it was still a bit damp underfoot. You could tell how much rain we'd had as in the duck race the first duck crossed the line in a record 45 seconds.'

The carnival's royalty was unveiled for the first time at the party. Miss Ellie Holland is the 2012 carnival queen, and Sebastian Haste and Ella Bowden were revealed as the carnival prince and princess.

Alongside music from Hatherleigh Silver Band there was a ram roast, beer tent, games, and visitors also embraced the 'Rule Britannia' fancy dress theme. The money raised at the event is still being counted.

Organisers expressed thanks to everyone who made the party such a success.