Ref. 25659-16A slice of Rio's famous Mardi Gras carnival burst onto the streets of Wroughton.

And with the sun beating down from a cloudless sky the setting was not that far removed from the Brazilian city itself.

This year's Wroughton Carnival once again brought the village to a standstill as the procession, consisting of marching bands, village groups and decorative floats, wound its way along the High Street.

A total of 17 floats, including Tick Tock Playgroup, Perry's Junior Lot, 1st Wroughton Scouts and the Hungerford Bicycle Display Team joined the throng.

Judges deemed the best entrants from five different categories to be Wroughton Preschool with A Day At The Races, 115 Club with African Zulus, 1st Wroughton Guides with My Fair Lady, Perry's Lot with Famous Paintings Brought To Life and the Carters Rest pub with Lord Of The Rings.

And the carnival's prince and princess, 10-year-olds Dominic Morgan and Alice Flemming, travelled in style in the Royal car, escorted by Sea Cadets from TS Resolution in Upham Road, Old Walcot.

Meanwhile children and parents from Ridgeway Pre-school were unrecognisable in their Disney Dalmatian outfits

School manager Theresa Birch, 35, said: "It's fantastic. We've had terrific support from parents to get everything ready."

Pupil Robert Clifton, four, said he loved dressing up as a character from the film.

Robert, from Hatch Road, in Stratton, said: "101 Dalmatians is my favourite film. I like all the dogs, especially Pongo."

After the procession, the revellers headed to the Weir Field where more entertainment was laid on.

A £1,000 firework display, which lasted eight minutes, provided a spectacular grand finale.

Carnival organiser Tim Benson, 50, of Wearside Avenue, said the carnival, which cost £9,000 to stage, was the culmination of nine months' hard work. He added: "The procession and the live music are always the highlights. There were more acts this year than last, which is great. The fireworks were spectacular."

Carnival secretary Sue Carter said: "The day is absolutely brilliant. It's the highlight for Wroughton and everyone really looks forward to taking part.

"Last year the police said there were about 4,000 people and I wouldn't be surprised if this year was about the same."

Money collected during the day will go to local charities, yet to be decided.

Organisers revealed in May that the event, which last year attracted thousands of people from across the area and cost almost £10,000 to stage, had been close to being cancelled because of a lack of corporate sponsorship and private donations.