Despite an ambulance and a city council road sweeper being used as impromptu road blocks, the 2003 Lord Mayor's Parade has been described as Oxford's best yet.

About 20 colourful floats processed from Woodstock Road through the city centre to South Park, where the sun shone throughout the celebrations, On Monday, May 26.

Bryan Keen, president of Oxford Isis Lions Club, which is behind the event, was dressed in the regalia which goes with his role as Sheriff of Oxford. He said: "It was the biggest and most colourful parade we've had yet.

"We had the problem with the wrong times on road closures and ended up using an ambulance which was part of the parade, and an Oxford City Council road sweeper to stop traffic disrupting proceedings. Apart from that, it was marvellous." The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Pat Stannard, said: "The weather was wonderful, and the people were wonderful and all seemed very happy."

Visitors of all ages flocked to try out the array of rides and side stalls at the fun fair set up in one corner of the park.

Others tried out the various tombolas, charity stalls, and learned about Oxford organisations including St Clement's Church and Falun Gong, a Chinese form of meditation.

Among the visitors was Lesley McFarlane, 41, of Shelley Close, Headington, Oxford, who said: "It's really good, everyone's enjoying them- selves."

Steve Nash, 48, of Leiden Road, Wood Farm, Oxford, had taken his son Felix, five, who particularly enjoyed the ambulance as he wants to join the emergency services when he is older. Mr Nash said: "It's ceremonial and colourful and it's very rare you get people together like this."