Fears for the future of South Bank Carnival were allayed at the weekend after organisers hailed this year's event the best ever.

More than 1,000 people attended the carnival, which provided entertainment for all age groups on Saturday, while an Abba tribute band attracted a crowd of more than 400 on Friday night.

George Pushnon, president of the carnival's committee, said: "It was excellent.

"In all the years I have been involved, I have never known a carnival so good as this. Everyone had a really good weekend."

Graham Hubbard, who stepped in to help organise the carnival this year after Mr Pushnon raised concerns that he would not be able to run the carnival on his own, said: "It was a really good day and beyond all our expectations. Despite the large numbers we had no trouble at all.

"Next year is the 150th birthday of South Bank and the carnival has encouraged a lot of people to make plans to celebrate."

Saturday's event included Punch and Judy shows, fair- ground rides and laser questing for the older children.

During the afternoon, there were stage shows including a performance by community group The End of the Pier and a cowboy display.

B&Q ran a workshop where children could make household items such as hook racks, and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's parks department was on hand to help children make bird boxes.

Parenting group, Surestart, and organisation PERCY, which recycles material to use for toys were also at the carnival.