Abstract: A carton (1) comprising a plurality of panels for forming a base panel (12), first and second side walls (14, 24) and first and second top panels (16, 22) coupled to one another by first and second handle panels (18, 20) wherein the first and second handle panels are in substantial face contacting relationship such that the first and second top panels form a top wall of the carton and wherein a reinforcing panel (34a, 34b) is provided in face contacting relationship with both the first and second top panels such that the reinforcing panel forms a bridge connecting between the first and second top panels whereby a portion of each of the first and second top panels is at least two-ply in structure.