Heavy rain failed to spoil the fun at the Calne carnival and summer festival on Saturday, even though some groups did not make it all the way to the procession finish line because of the deluge.

Characters from books, films and local history were seen at the carnival, which started from the Deceuninck car park and Bremhill View.

The heavens opened shortly after the parade reached the High Street, causing participants to rush for shelter.

However, families got hours of sunshine to enjoy a Mad Hatter’s tea party, donkey rides and Punch and Judy beforehand.

The day also included a parade, when members of the Royal British Legion, Army Cadets, Air Force Cadets and NavyCadets marched to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Paul Mayo, of Calne RBL, said: “They had clearly worked on their uniforms and practised the drill.

“We were really lucky we did not catch the rain at all on our parade. It had rained before.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Calne Town Council on behalf of the Calne branch of the Royal British Legion for all their work organising the event.”

The best float prize went to Heddington Pre-school, with Calne Scouts second and Heddington Amateur Dramatics Society third.

From the walking entries, Calne Players won first prize, Holy Trinity School was second and Cherhill Primary School third.

Children from Priestley School dressed in costumes inspired by local history, including Great Western Railway trains, pigs from the Harris Bacon Factory and Avebury stones.

Assistant head Jane Brown said: “We had a carnival week, which we spent preparing for it. Our curriculum is based on local history, so they were topics that we have covered.”

Tracey Howell, of Calne Town Council, said the procession included seven walking entries and six floats.

She said: “For the whole day Calne was filled with music, entertainment and laughter. Rain never dampened the community spirit.

“I would like to give a big shout out to Calne and Devizes samba band, who continued to play on the A4 in the rain.”