HUNDREDS of people braved the cold bank holiday weather to support one of High Wycombe's biggest charity events, the Wycombe Carnival.

Fairground rides, a wild west shoot-out by the Arizona Outlaws and dogs from the Rockwood Dog Display Team leaping through burning hoops helped keep crowds entertained as local charities set up stalls to help raise awareness and cash.

The Sunday afternoon event was opened by town mayor Cllr Mahboob Hussain who arrived on The Rye in a pink open-top Cadillac.

Cllr Hussain said: "It is a very good turn out which is very pleasing. The weather is not that good but it is better than raining. People have still made the effort to be here.

"It is a great event for Wycombe and I hope it continues for many more years."

Carnival goers all agreed that it was an important annual event for the town.

Tracey Mctighe-Trott, of Gunthorpe Road, Marlow, said: "It is a great day. We have not come for a couple of years now and it is has grown a lot. There's so much more going on to keep the kids excited.

"It's great for local charities. It is just the English weather you can't rely on."

The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home was among the charities involved with the day.

The group staged an It's a Knock Out style event with teams made up from local businesses.

Robert Breakwell, appeals director for the charity, said: "It's gone really well and we believe we have raised over £5,000 which is really good."

One stand that wasn't doing so well on the day was the ice cream van. Vendor Steve Jennings said: "We have sold a few ice creams. I'm obviously a bit disappointed with the weather but I will stay until the end and hope the sun shows its face."

The International Rescue Corps, which is looking for premises in the town, was also out in force. The group has recently helped at the Selby train crash and with severe flooding in North Yorkshire.

Chris Hurley, a volunteer for the group, said: "Today is more about raising awareness although we have raised some money which is good news. People have shown interest throughout the day."

Jim Tanner, chairman of the Wycombe Carnival committee and one of the chief organisers of the event, said: "We are very pleased with the turn-out and all the people who have come forward to take part in the events."