ULVERSTON'S internationally-acclaimed charter festival climax at the weekend has again been hailed a glowing success after it attracted the largest turnout in its 20-year history.

By 7.30pm on Saturday, thousands of spectators had gathered in the town centre streets eagerly awaiting the arrival of the lantern procession.

Within an hour, the streets were turned into a river of light with lanterns representing this year's theme of myths and legends.

There were phoenixes, unicorns and even the legendary David Beckham's number seven shirt made an appearance.

Spectators ranging from pensioners to toddlers could not fail to be entertained as those taking part paraded through the streets with hundreds of imaginative creations.

Ulverston Town Band also helped to capture the atmosphere with many people singing and tapping their feet along to the music.

Finale organisers Welfare State International had promised to enthrall the crowds with a stunning performance and they did not disappoint.

The frame of a dragon the size of a house was lifted into the sky with a crane before snorting fireworks and igniting in slow-burning flames.

The firework display on Ford Park to mark the end of yet another successful two-week charter festival again took people's breath away.

Festival co-coordinator David Haley said: "The festival as a whole was an absolute raving success and we are already booking some of the most popular events, including the Flamenco dancers who were in the town on Thursday, to come back next year.

"The lantern procession attracted people from all over the area and many of them came to the town for the whole day and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere.

I was stewarding at the back of the procession and the number of people who came for the firework display seemed to be a record.

I would hate to put a figure on it but it was thousands."