AN estimated 6,000 people turned up for this year s Royston Charity Kite Festival – a record attendance. And Ken Charles, one of the organisers, said that visitors had told him the event was the best ever . It was a great community event, said Mr Charl

AN estimated 6,000 people turned up for this year's Royston Charity Kite Festival - a record attendance.

And Ken Charles, one of the organisers, said that visitors had told him the event was "the best ever".

"It was a great community event," said Mr Charles.

The outcome will be that the Rotary Club of Royston will be making "a substantial donation" to Cancer Research UK.

Events in the arena included displays from Stafford Wallace and his Indian fighting kites, the father and son team of Brian and Carl Wright from Team Spectrum, and Bryan Cantle's multi-kite display.

And to add variety there was an adventurous display from the Royston Power Kiters, and the more precise movements of the Royston-based dance group, the Electralites.

During the event the Royston Lions Club ran a kite-making workshop, and at the end of the day youngsters were allowed into the arena to test their creations.

The best kites were judged by Royston's mayor, Cllr Peter Lill, Lions Club president Gordon Dunn, and Les Baker, the editor of The Crow.

The winners, William Dybage and Gabriella Dancer, were given kites donated by The Crow.

Speaking during the afternoon, Peter Mitton, the event manager, said: "This has become a real community event. It's exactly what we always wanted to achieve."

And he added that the weather provided enough wind for all the displays to take place.

"In one word I believe we could say it was a success," he added.

Pics: Daniel Wilson