The annual event, which marks the granting of Retford's Royal Charter, is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the town's calendar – attracting between 25,000 to 30,000 visitors a year.

The Charter Day committee had been busy putting plans in place for the huge family day out, which was widely supported by retailers, exhibitors and voluntary organisations.

Committee chairman Richard Sutton said this year's turnout had been tremendous and thanked everyone who helped to make it a great success.

"It went fantastically – it had to be one of the hottest charter days on record since it started," he said. "This year saw new fairground rides being added and more traders setting up their stalls in town. It's a real community event and fun for all ages."

"The crowd this year was absolutely phenomenal and I think that turnout was probably bigger than last year. Thanks to everyone who helped and supported us on the day to make it the success it was."

The day's entertainment kicked off in the Market Square with the famous parade, this year featuring the Harworth Drummers and 35 vintage tractors, which delighted Charter Day visitor David Lacey, 64, of Ordsall.

"The parade was absolutely fantastic and I loved watching the tractors coming through town," he said. "I think the Charter Day is a really enjoyable event and it gets people together to have lots of fun."

After the last tractor had passed through the Market Square, the action really started to kick off as the sun shone and summer temperatures began to soar.

In the Market Square, there was a fun fair with rides for all ages, plus a lot of clowning around with street entertainers, stilt walkers and fancy balloon makers, creating all sorts of bubbly concoctions for the children.

And the fun did not stop there, with King's Park providing the perfect setting for a motor show, static engines, juggling demonstrations and the ever-popular Lions' Duck Race on the river.

Elsewhere at Retford Town Hall, there was a special wedding fayre and a model boat show in the council chambers, while craft fairs, trade and charity stalls lined the pavements in Carolgate, Exchange Street and The Buttermarket.

Mr Sutton said there had been an increase in market traders setting up their stalls in Retford, which was a positive sign for the town.

"Stall holders come from both the local area and further afield, and some have attended the Retford Charter Day for several years," he said. "The traders always do really well, which is great for the community,"

Janice Holliday, of Lincoln, is a Charter Day regular and had invited her friend Joanne Whittell along for some family fun.

"I really enjoyed seeing my little boy going on the rides – it's been a great day," said Joanne, also of Lincoln.

Added Janice: "We always come here every year and really enjoy the event.