The rain failed to dampen the spirits for the finale of Malmesbury Carnival as hundreds lined the streets to watch the colourful floats parade through the town.

A Day of the Dead themed float, combined with cavaliers, nuns and Grease monkeys weaved their way around town on Saturday afternoon in one of the wettest processions of Carnival history which has raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Deborah Clogg, Chair of the Malmesbury Carnival committee, said: "Despite the weather it went very well! I think the whole of Malmesbury turned out for the procession, although some of the walking entries were huddled under an umbrella trying to keep their creations dry.

"Everyone kept extremely jolly and good hearted which is great and although the crowd was definitely down they did turn out and in the main areas, they were still two, three or even four lines deep. The kids also enjoyed themselves in the procession and putting their pennies in the buckets."

A trophy in memory of Bob Browning, a Malmesbury legend who was known for his wacky creations, was introduced to the Carnival this year while family and friends walked the procession route with a mural of the man himself created by the Stencil Shed's Syd.

Ms Clogg added: "We were delighted when the Peel's offered a trophy in Bob's memory and dedicated it to wackiest entry which was perfect. It was absolutely superb to see Bob's family and friends take part in the procession as well and they were saying people were applauding when they saw Bob's painting."

The Rose and Crown pub, who based their float around the Day of the Dead and had a smoking skeleton onboard, stole the show by scooping up the best pub entry, the best float and the Bob Browning award.

Helen Chapman, float manager of the Rose and Crown float, said: "It was totally amazing considering what a horrendous morning it turned out to be! The whole town came out to support us despite the weather and was fantastic.

"We decided to do the day for the dead because a few people had seen Spectre and it just seemed like a great idea for a float because of the colours and the costumes we could create. We are absolutely honoured to be the first winners of the Bob Browning award and I am sure he would have liked it."

Syd, who painted the mural of the late Mr Browning is now looking for a wall to paint a larger verison of the portrait somewhere in the town.

He said: "I would love to paint a bigger version somewhere. It is only when you do things like this that you get a feel for how loved someone is in the community.

"Even if you didn't know him, he has got such a lovely and friendly face to look at and I would add a few words about what an incredible chap he was."