A SPECTACULAR procession through the streets of Wootton Bassett ended a memorable 10-day carnival.

Hundreds lined the streets as colourful floats from clubs, societies and associations brought a touch of Rio's Mardi Gras to the town.

And the crowds were treated to brilliant sunshine as the procession left Marlowe Way on Saturday evening.

The Five Bells pub won the best overall float with its bathing belles, while the award for best children's float went to the Herron Beaver Colony.

The rugby club, Wootton Bassett Brass Band, Brownies, Guides, Cubs, and Twinning Association all added a splash of colour with their decorated efforts.

In total £2,322 was collected during the procession.

Carnival organiser Mary Harrison, of Station Road, said the money would be distributed to clubs and societies in the town.

"It's great to see so many of the town's organisations turn out for the procession and the weather stayed good," she said.

"I'm extremely pleased with the whole event and the amount raised was fantastic, I certainly didn't expect that amount."

The Dorchester Band, Chippenham Majorettes and Cricklade Silver Band led the procession.

Carnival Queen Sophie Carroll, 17 and Carnival Princess, Ffion Thomas-Price, 12 followed in a vintage car with their attendants Holly Creighton, eight, and Chloe Hack, nine.

Wootton Bassett mayor, Percy Miles, added: "It has been a truly excellent week and the parade was the pinnacle of the carnival.

"The weather has been great considering it's usually wet and overcast and the event was well supported, as ever."

Highlights of the week included an arts, crafts and hobbies exhibition, organised by the Arthritis Research Campaign at the Civic Centre on Friday night.

A miniature fairground organ greeted visitors at the entrance, while inside visitors found a veritable treasure trove of antiquities and exhibits.

Lee Martin, 11, proudly showed off his Dr Who collection while Wootton Bassett's new deputy town crier, Owen Collier, displayed his selection of navigational artefacts, including a French throwing axe and box of coins.

The Carnival Quiz at the Memorial Hall, also held on Friday night, was well supported.

Meanwhile children revelled in the carnival crafts and pavement art workshop held at the Civic Centre on Thursday night.

Yesterday the curtain fell on the carnival with the traditional picnic in Old Court Park, where revellers were treated to music from the St Bartholomew Junior School Choir Band, Wootton Bassett Light Operatic Society, Wootton Bassett Bras Band and Brian Taylor.

The Carnival Princess's mum, Carol Price, even won the £100 first prize in the grand draw.