CARNIVAL week in Marlborough reached a spectacular climax on Sunday with one of the most memorable carnival days for years.

Sunshine on Sunday afternoon brought out a huge crowd to see the procession of floats which everyone agreed was of exceptional quality.

The only complaint was that the traditional practice of throwing coins was banned.

Carnival organisers also decided not to have any collectors because they feared this would encourage people to have coins in their hands and, possibly, throw them at the floats.

It was the first time in its long history that the carnival broke with the tradition of people hurling money at the floats.

Chairman Rob Dickens said there was the risk of injury to people taking part in the parade, and damage to vehicles and band instruments.

They had also been concerned that in previous years children were dashing out in front of floats to pick up any coins which had fallen in the road.

Mr Dickens said:"We decided to ban the throwing of coins this year because people have been hurt in the past and the bands have complained that instruments were damaged.

"We decided not to collect money during the procession either because this would have encouraged people to have coins and some might have continued to throw them."

Instead of throwing coins people were able to buy 50p bags of coloured paper balls to throw.

However, some people were unaware of the no-coins rule and had gone to see the carnival with pockets full of cash to throw on the floats.

Paul Smyth of Silverless Street said he had been surprised to discover the new ruling.

Mr Smyth said: "I went into the flower festival in St Mary's Church and gave them my money instead."

The carnival parade from The Common and through the town centre was the culmination of a year's planning and a week of activities leading up to the procession.

The previous evening had seen a rip-roaring Forties Night dance in the town hall with more than 100 people dancing to the music of the Tony Strudwick Orchestra from London.

Sunday started with a car boot sale in the High Street together with a craft and charities fair that ran through the day.

Rain had threatened during the morning, but the clouds had cleared by the afternoon which meant the parade took place in glorious sunshine.

After the procession Mr Dickens said: "It was absolutely fantastic. I have had people coming up to me saying what a good time they have been having.

"It has been hard work planning the carnival but it has all been made worthwhile when you see so many people enjoying themselves."

The Mayor, Coun Margaret Boulton, who rode on her own tableau accompanied by her husband Ray, praised the organisers and the participants.

Coun Boulton said: "It's far better than I ever expected. The work which people have put in has been just amazing."

The judges also praised the high quality of the float builders.

The theme of the floats varied from traditional subjects to the political statement, Say No to Marlborough Masts by the Blowhorn Street residents opposing the erection of mobile telephone antennae near their homes.

Pupils from St Mary's Infants' School who presented the Ugly Bugs Ball, not only won their class but also the best in show trophy.

Families from Thorney Park in Wroughton brought their Jubilee Street Party along to remind spectators that it is still the Jubilee year.

The royal theme was continued by Trowbridge sisters Averil Berisford and Sally Taylor who dressed as the Jubilee Duo, and by twins Adam and Matthew Hampshire, five, from Devizes, who were a brace of Beefeaters.

Meanwhile families from Stonebridge Close took along Santa's Workshop and reminded everyone that there were only 107 days to Christmas.

Carnival Queen Sarah Brinkworth was joined on her tableau by other past queens including June Whant who led the town's carnival 50 years ago in 1952.

Bands in the procession included the Phoenix Band, Devizes Boys Brigade Old Boys Band, the Swindon Royal British Legion Corps of Drums, and the Ramsbury Silver Band, and a Gugge band.