THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Truro for

Cornwall's first ever gay pride parade.

There was a sense of surprise, amazement and amusement from

the 3,000 or so residents and visitors as they watched the

colourful lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parade

march through the streets amid a flurry of rainbow flags,

feather boas, outlandish outfits, dance routines and raucous

floats.

Organisers of the first Cornwall Pride Festival said up to

500 people took part in Saturday's trouble-free event.

Parade chairman Christian Diamont said the only sour note to

the event was a silent protest by up to 50 Christians, who

turned their back on the parade.

He said: "It's been absolutely wonderful. I would never have

imagined so many people would turn up. I'm overwhelmed.

"The support we've received has been fantastic, including

local businesses and the police, who have been amazing."

The Police LGBT Federation was even allowed to fly its flag

on Truro's police headquarters for the duration of the

festival.

Mr Diamont, who owns Bar Qdos in the city, said all 500

tickets for the evening music event in Truro's centre had sold

out in no time.

The parade started with a rallying call of drums and

whistles before a 20m x 5m rainbow banner, donated by

Bournemouth Pride, was unfurled.

A groups of kilted men opened the parade behind a banner

which read "Gay Gordons". They were followed by an eclectic mix

of flag-waving marchers wearing slogan-branded T-shirts

including "I'm Diverse".

Two floats adorned with heart-shaped balloons and carrying

skimpy-dressed men and women dancers rolled on, closely

followed by a handful of elaborate drag queens and members of

trade unions Unison, PCS and CWU.

Parade hostess Nikki Marlow, who lives in Truro, said: "It's

important to raise awareness with people that we are all human

beings and celebrate Cornwall's diversity."

Walter Penford, a 23-year-old nurse from Truro, was dressed

as a silver and glittery fairy. He said: "I'm taking part

because I'm proud of who I am. We get a lot of stick from

different people, especially the younger ones who don't

understand us. It's a chance to be together."

Lainy Leake, from Camborne, said a lot of gay and lesbian

people in Cornwall had not attended the festival because of the

stigma attached to homosexuality.

She said: "There is a lot of homophobia still in Cornwall

and a lot of them will have been scared. If the event is

successful, they will probably come out of the woodwork next

year."

Overall, the event was welcomed by locals and visitors

alike.

London tourist Selah Romerin said: "It's just harmless fun.

It's important for the community to have this event and

celebrate their differences. It brings people together."

Lesbian mother and community worker Sarah Mayes, from

Camborne, said: "Cornwall is always 10 years behind the rest of

the country, but it's great it's happening."

Drag queen Christopher Preace said: "I just wanted to be

counted. It's about having fun."

St Austell resident Mo Watson, agreed: "Why not? They're not

hurting anyone."

Retired sea merchant John Tozer, from Truro, said: "I do

admire their guts for putting on a show like this."

However, Cornwall's first Gay Pride Festival did not sit

well with everyone.

Trader Roger Olver, from St Stephen, said: "If that's what

they want to do, fine. I don't understand the need for a

parade."

David Pyke, from the Truro Evangelical Church and one of the

many Christian opponents to the event, said homosexuality was a

sin in the eyes of God.

He added: "We're Christian and we love God and this country.

Why have a gay parade when it's a sin? Why not have a parade

for adulterers or thieves and other sinners?

"This is a family town and young people will be horrified

with this."

The Rev Peter Ninnis, also from Truro Evangelical Church,

was one of the 50 people who locked arms across one street and

turned their back on the parade.

He said: "We are turning our back on them because we love

God and this is not good."

Gay activist Chris Stoddern, from Truro, launched a tirade

at the Christian group, calling them hypocrites. He said: "All

these people who call themselves Christians are being very

hostile.

"The people taking part in the parade are very brave. So

much for the love of mankind and the love of God. This is so

upsetting."

PC Simon Hill, coordinator for Devon and Cornwall

Constabulary's Gay Police Association, said: "It's

disappointing to see not everyone can embrace the diverse

community that we have."

But organiser Mr Diamont said: "I'm elated it's gone so

well."