AS the world and its inhabitants adapt to deal with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, twenty years ago Britain was coping with a very different crisis. Back from the brink after the previous year's washout, Ringwood Carnival was not going to let a fuel crisis cast a cloud over the town's big day on September 17, 2000.

Organisers, participants and spectators were determined to have fun and the shortage of fuel only added topical inspiration for some of the fancy dress entries.

There was no fuel crisis for carnival queen Elisa Charlton and her attendants Hayley Smith and Lisa Miller, who travelled in regal style on a float drawn by six magnificent horses.

Carnival organisers had allowed a second year in office after their big day was spoiled by torrential rain the previous year.

Although the fuel crisis resulted in a slight downturn in entries, organisers were not disappointed with the turnout as more than 40 floats, bands and walking entries set out under sunny skies.

Drivers of four steam engines and three miniature traction engines taking part in the parade also had no fuel worries - as long as their supply of coal and water held out.

And champion marathon runner Celia Findlay-Bada had no problem jogging along the procession route with the "Going for Gold" float mounted by the David Lloyd Club where she worked as a fitness instructor.