A Moulin Rouge-themed float, complete with a nine-metre high windmill, secured second place in the London’s New Year’s Day parade.

The entry, which was put forward by Harrow to compete against other London boroughs, scooped £9,000 for the Mayor’s chosen charities – Harrow Women’s Centre and Harrow Law Centre.

It was designed by volunteers from Wiseworks and co-lead by Cllrs John Hinkley and Jean Lammiman, with their hard work over the past few months paying dividends.

Margaret Davine, the Mayor of Harrow, said: “Winning second place is a fantastic achievement but what’s even better is that the money will really help change lives.

“It’s all thanks to our volunteers and the fantastic team who organised this year’s entry – thank you all.

“Harrow put on a show that everyone will remember for decades to come, the crowds were going crazy – young and old, we all absolutely loved it.

“It was a spectacular float that literally blew us all away. I mean, that nine metre-high windmill was really impressive. Well done everyone - Harrow has made me proud.”

Thousands turned out to watch the parade and they were wowed not only by the creative floats but also by the performances of those accompanying them.

Harrow’s Parisian cabaret was viewed as a real community effort which involved a number of residents, Harrow In Europe, O’Hara Bros and Hatch End High School.

Students from the Beverley School of Dance and Kodak Football Club also took part in the impressive performance.

The overall prize was won by Westminster, with Hounslow completing the top three.