This year’s Ilkley Carnival has paid out more than £12,000 to good causes, including £6,000-plus to Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.

Last month’s carnival, which saw more than 8,000 tickets sold, and the biggest parade to date, created one of the largest windfalls yet given out to a single organisation.

The Godo Neighbours were nominated a 50 per cent beneficiary following a selection process between eight local groups.

Chairman of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, John Jewitt, said the £6,000 donation would make a “significant difference” to local people’s lives.

He said: “We were genuinely taken aback with the funds raised and the final figure was over three times more than we ever expected. It is certainly one of the biggest donations Ilkley and District Good Neighbours has ever had.

“Funds on this scale mean we can support even more isolated and vulnerable people in our community. We will be providing more community Christmas parcels, holding more social events and including more people on our organised excursions.

“We have now scheduled a meeting to look at all options available to us – having such choice is unprecedented and we are thrilled with the prospect of having the money to do so much more for local people.”

The annual carnival experienced one of its most successful days yet as the sun shone on the “British History” themed event.

Other beneficiaries to receive a share of the remaining £6,000 raised include Christchurch, Ben Rhydding Scouts and Guides, Ben Rhydding Sports Club, Ilkley in Bloom, Ben Rhydding Rugby Club and Ilkley Soroptomists.

Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey added: “Ilkley Carnival undoubtedly experienced one of its best years yet with an unprecedented level of support from headline sponsor Kashmiri Aroma and other local businesses and organisations.

“A breathtaking parade created by schools and parents was followed by Galloping Acrobats, an English Civil War re-enactment and finished with The Riverside Hotel winning the much coveted Carnival Capers after defeating last year’s winners The Wheatley Arms in a fun-packed final. Never before have we been so supported and, as a result, so successful.”

Mr Stacey hopes the community spirit will continue as the carnival committee starts to put the wheels in motion for the 2014 event.