THOUSANDS of revellers basked in glorious sunshine as Wroughton came alive to the colourful sights and sounds of its annual carnival.

The village came to a standstill on Saturday as the procession, consisting of marching bands, village groups and decorative floats, wound their merry way along the high street to Weirfield, kicking off a day of festivities.

A total of 13 floats, including colourful efforts by 2nd and 3rd Wroughton Brownies, joined the Devizes Male Majorwrecks majorette team, Swindon Robinettes and the Swindon Royal British Legion Corps of Drums in leading the procession.

Colourful floats and walking groups from village organisations including Tick Tock Playgroup, Wroughton Pre-School, Ridgeway Pre-School, Friends of Wroughton Infant School, Wroughton Junior School, Perry's Lot, Thorney Park Resident's Association and Wroughton and District Gardening Club made up the rest of the procession.

This year's carnival prince and princess, Wroughton Junior School pupils Sofie Ford, nine, and Sam Keenan, 10, waved regally from the royal car, which was flanked by marching sea cadets.

And the gleaming Evening Advertiser Vintage Bus ferried more pupils from Wroughton Junior School to Weirfield where people enjoyed a closer look at the floats.

Carnival organiser Tim Benson, 49, of Wearside Avenue, said: "The carnival is the culmination of nine months hard work, but when you see so many people lining the streets with great big smiles on their faces it makes it all worthwhile.

"The weather was excellent and everything fell into place as it always does. I can't fault the day because it brought a lot of enjoyment to so many people."

The festivities continued at Weirfield where local band Anonymous, consisting of Shaun Ivens, 13, on drums, DJ Harman, 13, on lead guitar, Daniel Shaylor, 15, on bass guitar, Cameron Smith, 13, on rhythm guitar, Rikki Wood, 13, on vocals and Jessica Harman, 11, also on vocals, wowed the crowds.

A funfair, numerous bric-a-brac and novelty stalls ensured there was something for everyone, while the beer tent and ice cream van did a swift trade in refreshment.

In the evening bands Silent Running, King of Queen and The Boy Disco provided the entertainment before a spectacular firework display finale.

Carnival secretary Sue Carter added: "This was easily the best carnival yet.

"We've only being holding it for seven years, but to have nearly 4,000 people turn out to support the event just shows how much it means to everyone."

Organisers hope the carnival, which cost nearly £8,000 to stage, will raise more than £8,000 for local charities including, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the children's unit at Princess Margaret Hospital.