SOHAM S carnival took on a distinctly continental flavour yesterday (Monday), in celebration of the town s twinning with Andrezieux-Boutheon in the south of France. A French cafe and themed floats formed part of the celebrations, before the historic seco

SOHAM'S carnival took on a distinctly continental flavour yesterday (Monday), in celebration of the town's twinning with Andrezieux-Boutheon in the south of France.

A French cafe and themed floats formed part of the celebrations, before the historic second signing of the twinning charter took place at Soham Pavilion.

Carnival committee member Chris Scurrah said the event was a huge success.

"It really was one of the best for years, despite all the showers," he said.

The second signing of the twinning charter followed the first in Andrezieux-Boutheon in April, and the town's mayor, Jean-Claude Schalk put his name to the charter with new Soham Town Council chairman Fiona Ross. A flag-raising ceremony also took place, as well as signing of each national anthem.

A special "wedding" cake for the two towns was baked for the occasion, and Twinning Association secretary Peter Beer said: "Hopefully the relationship will last a long, long time."

He said the day as a whole was a great success: "We had a party of 10 visitors from Andrezieux-Boutheon with us and they really enjoyed the day."

Mr Schalk also took part in the judging of the 13-float procession, which is thought to be the largest turnout for the event in recent years, and visitors also enjoyed a parade of vintage and classic vehicles, a birds of prey demonstration, and a parade of the Soham Fenlander Troupe, who appeared as the Pink Ladies gang from the musical Grease.

The Weatheralls Primary School was presented with the trophy for the best float by Mr Schalk and he also gave the school an ornament from Andrezieux-Boutheon.

The Soham Carnival would not be the same without its morning Heavy Horse show, and Mr Schalk was also the guest of honour at the event, giving out prizes to the winners.

Mr Scurrah said attendance for the 53rd show was the best that has been seen in recent years.