New Orleans welcomes revellers

The Mardi Gras has brought hope back to New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.City officials expect to top the total of 700,000 visitors that took part in the 2006 event.Much of the city is still under reconstruction, but the main tourist areas of the French Quarter and the business district are almost back to normal.Reveller Nicole Heth said: "You're allowed to go in and out of places with as much alcohol as you want or as little. Everybody has amazing outfits on, there's hairstyles, clothing, shoes, it's crazy. The beads that are flying everywhere, the balconies of people, I love it."Police have increased security on Bourbon Street, the heart of the Mardi Gras celebrations.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | February 18, 2007

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