Crowds enjoy fun in the sun at events across region

Thousands of people enjoyed a vast range of entertainment as temperatures continued to soar.

And many braved the heat to run and swim as they helped generate cash for good causes.

Thousands of people turned out to Cannock Carnival on Saturday.

The annual event featured more than a dozen stalls selling a variety of goods, including Italian biscuits, handmade soaps, crepes and South American wares.

Attractions included rides and stalls, an inflatable slide and classic game hook-a-duck.

There was an Animal Magic parade at 1.30pm from Cannock Chase Leisure Centre to the town centre.

Market trader Martin Shaw, who had seven stalls at the event, including a catering van said:

"It's been a really good day. It's been fairly quiet overall, but then business in general is quite quiet these days.

"The event was lovely, it's building up year on year."

Brett Halket, of European Gift Events, had 12 stalls at the carnival on Saturday.

"It's been too hot really," said Mr Halket, whose family has run market stalls for more than 100 years. There have been lots of people about, it's been well attended, but people seemed to be wandering around in a daze rather than being in the mood to spend anything.

"But then again, we're never happy. Last year it rained and ruined it."

Ravenhill Park in Brereton near Rugeley was also packed with people for the first carnival of its kind in the parish for almost two decades.

Crowds were treated to an array of entertainment, including stilt walkers, jugglers, a classic car display, live music and a procession of floats.

The carnival was last held in 1986.

Tens of thousands headed to Wolverhampton's City Show, in West Park, for the two-day event which featured Armour Geddon, a 10-ton tank riding over cars and vans.

The display by monster trucks Big Pete and the Grim Reaper proved popular with families, with a 10-deep crowd surrounding the main arena.

Jeremy Baugh and Lisa Walton, both 45, of Wednesfield, said their son Nathan Baugh,aged five, loved the monster trucks show. Miss Walton said: "There's plenty to do and I think it's a good value price."

Jacki Wynn, events officer for Wolverhampton City Council, said the show had been a success.

"We are really pleased with how it's gone - everyone has had a brilliant time," she said.

Across the city more than 500 runners braved temperatures of up to 29C (84F) at Aldersley Stadium for a 12-hour fundraising event organised by Wolverhampton Rotary Club.

Participants could run or walk as many laps as they liked between 8am and 8pm on Saturday at the first Best Foot Forward event, which attracted participants of all ages from across the region.

It is estimated at least £10,000 has been raised through sponsorship and donations from 40 organisations. And the club has vowed it will return next year.

Four-year-old Darcy Baker, who is battling leukaemia, was joined by her mother Deborah Blakeman, aged 37.

The youngster, of Cheslyn Hay, jogged seven laps of the circuit despite being diagnosed with the disease a year ago and facing another two years of chemotherapy.

Mrs Blakeman, a member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club, said: "She is so full of life, she is a real trooper. I didn't think she would manage one lap so she has done so well."

Enjoying the day at Wolverhampton City Show

Walsall Arboretum was a sea of colour as families packed into the popular play area and water park, while hundreds enjoyed a variety of music at the Bandstand Bash yesterday. The sunny afternoon show featured a number of bands, including the West Midlands Police Brass Band, Aziz, and an open mic session, featuring around five local musicians.

Among the performers were Walsall father and daughter duo Barry and Chloe Hunt, who have been performing together for 11 years.

Mr Hunt, who also compered the event, said: "It's been a really, really lovely day with such a huge cross section of music.

"It's been a great day. It's lovely for people to be able to just sit in the sun and watch the bands play. There's also lots of places here for people to sit in the shade. It's just such a perfect day for it and, on a Sunday afternoon, what could be better?"

A parade of past and present servicemen marched through Wolverhampton for the annual Civic Sunday.

Mayor Councillor Milkinder Jaspal said: "It's a great honour. It is a matter of pride in the city and I think it is really good for the citizens to get together on an occasion like this."

Soldiers and veterans marched through the city centre before gathering for a service at St Peter's Collegiate Church, which is one of the mayor's charities.

The service was attended by residents, community groups and councillors.

It included members of the RAF from Cosford, the Fourth Battalion the Mercian Regiment and the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band, along with the standard bearer from the Royal British Legion.

More than 60 vintage motors from Jaguars to Ford Escorts wer at of Dudley Castle for the annual West Midlands Classic Car Club show yesterday. Organiser and car club chairman

Maurice Cole, of Dudley, brought along his 1972 E-type Jaguar, a rare 1961 Daimler Dart and a 1977 Rolls Royce.

"The setting for the show is beautiful and we couldn't have hoped for better weather. In the 25 years we have been holding our shows at the club, it has only rained twice, " he said.

Around 3,000 people enjoyed an array of entertainment at Wednesbury Carnival held in Brunswick Park on Saturday.

Carnival president Michael Middleton said: "It was an absolutely fantastic day and everyone enjoyed the entertainment that was on offer."