THE fly-past by the Red Arrows, to mark the Queen s 80th birthday on Saturday, flew over the fields in Somersham on the way to Buckingham Palace and became an unexpected highlight of this year s Somersham Carnival. Despite three matches in the World Cup a

THE fly-past by the Red Arrows, to mark the Queen's 80th birthday on Saturday, flew over the fields in Somersham on the way to Buckingham Palace and became an unexpected highlight of this year's Somersham Carnival.

Despite three matches in the World Cup and possibly because of the glorious sunshine, some 3,500 people turned out for the day, enjoying the carnival procession on an ocean theme and other entertainment including, walkers, vintage cars, teas, a fancy dress competition, baby show, barbecue, beer tent, dog show and a tug of war.

A party in the Victory Hall in the evening had live music from the Original High Mileage band and a disco. The organisers said they were confident that the £1,000 raised last year would be beaten. Funds will be given to local charities and organisations, including, brownies, cubs and scouts and Magpas, the medics emergency service, which has set up a First Responders team in the village, training ordinary members of the public to administer first aid in cases of accidents and heart attacks.