One of the biggest crowds for years turned out to watch the carnival procession through Aldbourne on Saturday.

Organiser Fiona Cheney said: “We think the number of spectators was well up on last year.”

Carnival week ended on Sunday as the flags that had been flying above The Green all week were lowered to the sonorous notes of the Last Post.

Mrs Cheney said: “Aldbourne says it’s officially the end of the summer when the flags come down.”

There were 14 floats plus walking entries in the procession which was led by the Carnival King Michael Gibbs with his attendants Tina Hibberd and Claire Keene and three princes and princesses, Luke Sanday, Bella Harre and Jasmine Wood.

This is the second year in succession that the village had a carnival king rather than a queen, the contest having been opened to both sexes a few years ago.

The overall winning float, which scooped three prizes in total, was the Powell family’s Going Underground which won the best in show award, the Stacey Cup for entries by family and friends and Most Humorous shield.

Other results are walkers, up to 11, Hayward family Dirty Fish, 11-17 Eliot Walton and friend 118118, adults Donald Barnes and friends Nellie the Elephant; organisations, youth, St Michael’s School Bumble Snouts; adults, Aldbourne Allotment Club Dig for Victory; family and friends floats Powell family; most original float Nellie the Elephant.