PROUD people of Nantwich rolled up in their thousands for a summer spectacular at the revived Nantwich Family Fun Day '05 on Saturday.

Around 10,000 people enjoyed a beautiful summer's day picnicking on Barony Park with a huge variety of entertainment from Punch and Judy and fairground rides for children to welly throwing and displays by dance and gymnastics troupes.

Organiser Cllr Keith Cafferty said: "It was a fabulous day, very family friendly, which was always the aim, and the people of Nantwich deserve to be proud of their town and the wonderful turnout."

The event, the first of it's kind in the town since 1971, went off without a hitch and the highlight of the day was a tug-of-war battle which saw a massive crowd cheering on eventual winners, the Rifleman Inn's Heavy Artillery team, who won trophies, a permanent cup and £12 each.

The Guardian's Fun Day Princesses opened the day after leading a spectacular parade into the park, with Cllr Steve Hope, and then greeted visitors.

Senior Princess Laura Taylor, aged 17, from Malbank Sixth Form, said: "The whole day, from my hair, make-up, and beautiful dress, to riding in the open-top car, was an amazing experience.

"It was every girl's dream come true and wearing a tiara I felt like a real princess."

Music was performed by jazz and wind bands as well as an African drumming group, and fire jumping dogs, courtesy of the Whitchurch Dog Display Team, providing a more unusual attraction.

Cllr Cafferty is already excited about ideas for next year's event and added: "Saturday was a steep learning curve and the next fun day will be even bigger."