A whole town got into celebratory mood on a bright and warm day in June 1990 for an event of sheer, unadulterated enjoyment.

It was carnival day in Askam and the hot sunshine came out specially for the proceedings.

Under the headline ‘Celebration day!, The Mail reported that hundreds of people lined the streets people of all ages, all smiling and all happy.

The report stated that one of the very special things about Askam’s carnival was that the entire town celebrated as one.

Shops and houses were decorated, while brightly-coloured bunting and banners spanned the narrow streets. Neighbours chatted and laughed together and the children played as they awaited the big parade with increasing excitement.

The assembled stream of dancers, bands and floats set off from The Lots bang on schedule at 1.30pm.

One of the first to come into view were Welfare State International’s Barracudas, who brought a touch of Mardi Gras to the day.

With their colourful and imaginative costumes, they weaved their way through the town, dancing to superb music.

Then came the lines of young girls, determinedly stomping as hard as possible to make their tap as loud as they could.

Local schools of dancing - Imperial, Janet Wright, Tapettes, Nellie English and Christin Hart and Dorothy Kennedy - were all in attendance.

Other attractions included the St Andrew's Pipe Band, the Askam Town Band and the Barrow Steelworks Band.

But, stated The Mail, there were too many people there, all playing parts magnificently, to mention everyone.

Carnival secretary Pat Rawlinson walked alongside that year's carnival queen, 13-year-old Laura Broome.

Mrs Rawlinson, who had been involved with the carnival since 1978, was all smiles as she said: "We've been very busy preparing this but it's all worked out and everyone is enjoying themselves.

"I'll have to start thinking of next year's as soon as today is over."