Carnival attracts record crowds

Nearly 1.3million people packed the streets of Notting Hill Carnival making this year's event the biggest on record - and police were today hailing it as a success.

Officers made 142 arrests over the two days but most were for minor offences, including the theft of a tax disc and of police uniforms.

Ten thousand police officers were on duty over the two-day event in case of trouble but there was a minimum of violence. Mayor Ken Livingstoneand Met Commissioner Sir John Stevens watched the procession from Scotland Yard's hitech control room, used for major events such as the Queen Mother's funeral and the Golden Jubilee procession.

Mr Livingstone praised the operation saying the police had built up an incredible body of expertise through experience. "No other police force in the world has such a skilful operation as this," he said.

As people from all over the world thronged the streets, one Brazilian dancer declared Notting Hill carnival as good as those back home. Eliete Santos, a 25-year-old from San Paulo in Brazil, was following the Paraiso float in a bikini, not exactly the best attire for an overcast day in London. Miss Santos, who is currently living in Canary Wharf, said: "This is a great day and it is as good as many of the best carnivals back home in Brazil."

All along the three-mile route, carnival goers danced to soca samba and calypso rhythms and sampled food from 340 stalls selling everything from jerk chicken to organic sushi.

One of the youngest in the parade was five-year-old Sapphire Fleming, who stood out in her stunning costume comprising of a gold crown and sparkling suit.

Her mother Jennifer, 30, from Tottenham said: "She just loves dancing and even the prospect of a 10-hour day does nothing to dampen her enthusiasm."

One of the oldest participants was 74-year-old Rocky Byron from Hackney who was dressed as a witch doctor following the Flamboyan float. Mr Byron said: "Age means nothing. I can keep dancing all day and night."