MONTHS OF hard work paid off for KATS whose members used all of their imaginative skills to become the overall champion at this year's Newbury Carnival.

As well as winning the top prize, KATS (the Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society) also scooped the best adult award.

In all, seven awards were handed out and a number of close contests meant the overall standard of entries was higher than ever.

The other prizes in the parade section went to the Wash Common Cromwell Scouts for best young people's group and to Speenhamland Primary School who took the top prize in the schools and playgroups category, sponsored by Bayer.

The next set of honours to be handed out were the carnival special awards and Newbury District Brownies won a prize for the largest number of participants.

Next up on the *winner's podium were the Wash Common Community Park Project who picked up the James and Cowper Cup for the best fancy dress.

The judges were: Frances Berry (Mayor of Newbury); Roger Knight (Newbury. Building Society); Peter Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor).

The sponsors were Newbury Building Society; Sainsbury's (Newbury); Newbury Weekly News; Bayer; James & Cowper; C & B Haulage; Newbury Lions; The Corn Exchange; Kick FM; Newbury Town Centre Management.