Stormy weather did not stop the masses turning out for the Pewsey Carnival wheelbarrow race on Thursday evening.

The night got off to a dramatic start with thunder, lightning and heavy rain but the storm cleared nearly an hour before the start.

This year was the first time that two events were planned, after changes to licensing legislation meant entrants were prohibited from drinking alcohol if they race.

But none of the 204 teams took part in the alcohol-free competitive race, meaning more than 700 entrants held out for the second event that followed the same course but allowed beer drinking.

Carnival volunteer Dave Major said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and there was a good atmosphere around the village. The standard of the fancy dress was fantastic.

“The rain must have put some people off, but there was still a great turnout.”

Before the teams made their way around the village, stopping at ten stations on the way to drink a pint of beer or non-alcoholic drink, they paraded their decorated wheelbarrows and costumes in front of the crowd.

The parade was led by the wheelbarrow race founder’s granddaughter dressed as a cat.

Tony Kimber, who died in June, came up with the idea of the wheelbeero race – as it was formerly known – more than 30 years ago.

Vaughan Roberts, the landlord of The Crown Inn, said: “What a fantastic event. It always surprises me how much you can stack on a small barrow – well done to everyone.”

A Tour of Britain and three Scottish independence themed barrows were among the entrants, as well as teams dressed up as James Bond and The Dung Beatles.

George I and George II won the best costume and barrow with their giant roaring and smoke-breathing dragon. They were presented with a cheque for £100 and The Seattle Cup.

Resident Nuala Ann Hawkins said: “I had already been overwhelmed with what an amazingly friendly community this is, but last night blew me away.”