From mini majorettes to sultry samba dances, Devizes had the carnival spirit on Saturday night.

Hundreds of people lined the route as the floats and walking entries left The Green at 6pm.

Many primary schools entered after holding after-school clubs to create outfits.

As usual, Southbroom Juniors – now Southbroom St James’ Academy – and Southbroom Infants turned on the style under the leadership of teacher Rachel Merritt and won best overall entry in the carnival.

Their walking entry Up, Up and Away included hot air balloons and planes. Miss Merritt said: “We really love taking part. There are 65 people in total this year.”

Mayor Sarah Bridewell was caught up in the atmosphere as she joined samba dancer Mawra Santos from the London School of Samba on The Green before the dancers fresh from Notting Hill Carnival took to the streets.

Coun Bridewell said: “The standard of entries this year looks very high.”

Sarah Godwin and her daughter Rose, ten, joined the fun after travelling all the way from Kuala Lumpur.

Mrs Godwin, who grew up in Devizes, said: “I can remember taking part with the Brownies when I was dressed as a pink fairy. My daughter always wanted to take part and so this year we joined the Mass Mob Makers.”

This was a new carnival initiative that gave individuals or small groups the chance to join together to create an entry. The Godwins joined carnival stalwarts the Beddoe family to create an entry with a giant spider as its centrepiece – which won first place in their class.

Wansdyke Primary took to the back of a lorry for their entry The Muppets. Mums Louise Blake and Sally Cox organised after school clubs for the pupils and parents to design their costumes.

Mrs Blake said: “We have all been practising our songs and actions.”

Heddington Amateur Dramatic Society, whose float had a Beach Boys theme, had a technical issue when its amplifier broke but Devizes Light and Sound stepped in to provide a replacement as the procession went down Sidmouth Street.

This year’s judging did not take place on The Green but from a short way down the route.

One of the judges Julz Davis, who is part of the St Paul’s Carnival in Bristol, said: “What I want is lots of energy and to see people enjoying themselves.”

He got this in bucket loads from The Wonder Girls, who took first prize in the majorette class.