The float was donated by Hi-Line Transport LTD, Blackpool Old Road, Highfurlong, Blackpool FY3 7LX and one of their drivers Simon Allen volunteered to drive for us.

The event team included the people who are mentioned below and in the early stages Clare Buzza was involved too, helping to coordinate planning and communication activities. We had a Design Team: Andrew Holden, Darren Wrigley and Dean Horabin, supported by Helen Kenyon, and Helen and Harry Swatton.

Derick Thomas designed a huge 3.2m x 2.5m banner for the back of the float which has now been installed on the all-weather pitch. This was supplied by Rob Dickson at Impressions Signs. We also reused the artwork and bunting that Rob supplied for us last year to decorate the float.

Bev Holden & Rachael Thwaite coordinated the procession. Kai Thwaite was kind enough to make a trip out to the M55 to meet Stuart Urquart from Lancashire RFU to pick up a massive supply of goodies to giveaway during the procession.

Behind the scenes members of the Club Committee pulled together some of the materials we needed to build the float and found some freebies for us to giveaway too. Once again George Benson supplied us with a piece of all-weather turf to create a pitch on the float. The giant inflatable goal posts acquired by Dean Horabin at the end of the RWC 2015 had an outing too but have since been consigned to the tip.

Helen Kenyon coordinated the kit allocation and did some face painting alongside Michelle Wright, our regular face painting artist!

Chaperones on the float included Caroline Grogan, Helen Kenyon, Dawn Howe, Rachael Thwaite and Graham Kenyon. The official cheerleader was Chris Lyons, who almost wore out his whistle. And we had some parent helpers on the float too.

The float won 3rd prize in its category, which is a reflection of the hard work by the design team and the massive amount of enthusiasm the children and the chaperones showed when the judges came to visit. They were loud!

The guys at Hesketh Press printed 10,000 leaflets for us to hand out and we have plenty left over for school fairs and other events between now and 4th September when the season begins again.

David Woodcock made the BBQ shiny ahead of our event. Tony and Sandra Thwaite did an excellent job on the BBQ back at the Club with burgers and sausages supplied by Chicken Paul. And thanks to Kev for donating some burger buns when we ran out!

Natalie Horabin sold sweets from the candy cart, raising funds for Mini Juniors of approximately £40.

Andrew Holden and Darren Wrigley managed the float breakdown and clean up with help from Darren and Steve Howe.

The children behaved brilliantly on the float and were a credit to the Club and the day was captured forever with the photos are up on the club website.

A big thankyou to everyone who took part especially all the parents who made it possible for their children to be there, you all made a huge effort and looked amazing.

Bev Holden receives third-spot certificate