A CARRINGTON farmer was hero of the day at this year’s Flixton Urmston and Davyhulme Carnival after stepping in at the last-minute to transport this year’s Rose Queen and princesses.

For the first time in the annual event’s history, carnival royalty were taken along the parade route sat on bales of hay in a trailer pulled by a tractor.

Organisers of the carnival on September 3 were left frantic after the wagon they had asked to transport the girls dropped out on Thursday.

But the owners of Dainewell Farm on Carrington Lane came to the rescue offering their tractor and their 18-year-old son’s driving services for the day.

Andy Thornburn helped decorate the trailer and drove the queens along the parade route through Urmston from Church Road to Woodsend Field in time for their crowning ceremony.

The former Lymm High School pupil, who works full-time on his parent’s farm, enjoyed the day so much he has offered to do it again next year.

“It was good fun and really nice seeing everyone waving and smiling and the queens getting waved at,” he said.

Organiser Lynette Field, said Andy had saved the day.

“The farm were absolutely fabulous, we couldn’t have done it without them.

“It was a brilliant day, the field had loads going on and we raised £559,” she said.

This year’s carnival included two sets of Rose Queens, the traditional Flixton Carnival Queens, who were transported on a wagon, and a new set of royalty, the AGMA Queens (Autistic Society for Greater Manchester).

Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the parade, which included colourful floats, decorated cars, dancers and bands, before enjoying the fair at Woodsend Field.

Prize for the best float went to Jane Jarvis Dance School, with their brightly coloured dance-themed float, and the best shop window award was given to Urmston Pet Shop for their circus theme.

Ruby Wardhaugh, 14, was crowned Flixton Carnival Queen and 15-year-old Alice Field became the first AGMA Queen.