I HAD the pleasure of joining thousands of people in Blackwood this weekend, as I do every year at the annual Blackwood Carnival.

As I took part in the parade through the high street, I was delighted to see that so many people from Blackwood and further afield had come out to enjoy the carnival.

The weather did little to dampen the atmosphere – it was a superb day and a pleasure to participate in. From the fancy dress competition to the brass band to the local community groups, there was something there for everyone.

I would like to sincerely thank all the organisers for putting on such a fantastic event and extend this to everybody who came along on Saturday to take part and enjoy it.

Chris Evans, MP for Islwyn