LEYTON came to a standstill when more than 1,000 children and teenagers from across Waltham Forest took to the streets to party Caribbean style.

Dancing, music and a long parade of dazzling costumes all featured in the annual Young People's Caribbean Carnival, held on Sunday.

The impressive procession made up of schools and community groups set off from the High Road and then along Lea Bridge Road and Vicarage Road before finishing off at Leyton County cricket ground for an afternoon of festivities.

Jacqueline Griffith, personnel and communications officer at Willow Brook Primary School in Church Road, Leyton, said: “We had about 20 children and staff take part and they all had a great time. It was good to see the boys getting into the spirit of it dancing and throwing glitter too.

“The pupils made their costumes with an Egyptian theme, as that's what they've been studying this term.

“The carnival has been held in Walthamstow the last few years but I think the cricket ground was a better venue as there was a lot more space.”

There was live music from six-time British Reggae Awards winner Sandraw Cross and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band, emerging urban star Donaeo and Audley Anderson, a finalist from the BBC's talent show Fame Academy.

Comedian Nabil Abdulrashid, winner of Sky One's Britain's Got Funny competition, had the crowd in hysterics, while youngsters were kept amused by a funfair, bouncy castle, climbing wall, mini go-karts and face painting.