PARTY-GOERS brought their very own sunshine to Huddersfield Carnival.

Thousands of revellers ignored chilly downpours to mass in the streets and Greenhead Park for the 20th Huddersfield Carnival.

Carnival queen Emma Fleary, wearing a gigantic sun costume, led the vast booming procession around the town and up into Greenhead Park.

As ever, the parade brought a touch of the Caribbean to Huddersfield's centre and suburbs.

Sections of the town centre emptied while others were brought to a standstill as shoppers flocked to watch the incredible spectacle.

Young and old, black and white lined the route to take in the amazing three-hour procession.

Heard long before they could be seen, each float bore a huge sound system competing to drown out the others.

Fleets of the trucks packed with DJs, volunteers and children enjoying the day were followed by dancers in an array of increasingly outrageous outfits.

At one point a group of lizard-men complete with emerald green costumes and freaky masks wandered by doing the samba.

At Greenhead Park itself cooking smells from dozens of food stalls selling specialities like jerk chicken wafted on the air.

Live entertainment on two stages wowed the crowds.

The party eventually ended at the Hudawi Cultural Centre early yesterday morning.

Carnival chairman Henry Cudjoe was delighted with the day - if not the weather.

"It was a good 20th birthday. We could have done with a bit more sunshine. But apart form that everything went well.

"I don't think it was the best ever - the best is yet to come!" he promised.

The day's growing success, he said, was largely down to the friendly atmosphere.

"I always enjoy seeing people enjoying themselves. It is just nice to see everybody together - to see so many people in such a good atmosphere."

He thanked Kirklees Council for its support yet again as well as all the groups which took part and sponsors.

Huddersfield police inspector Richard Ogilvie made sure everyone had a trouble-free day. He echoed Mr Cudjoe's words.

"It has a great atmosphere, a really nice family atmosphere."