Families took to the streets to see the colourful and creative floats taking part in the annual Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival on Saturday.

Glorious sunshine shone on the procession that started in Marlowe Way and travelled around the town to High Street.

The carnival, now in its 41st year, welcomed dozens of floats with The Five Bells being named as the best with its effort called Bellesque. Staff were dressed in mobster and burlesque outfits and fired water pistols into the crowd.

Gillian Hughes, carnival committee chairman, said: “We are really pleased with everything – we set off on time as always, have welcomed lots of great eye-catching floats and the weather has been perfect. It is almost as if I planned it that way.

“We’ve had an absolutely amazing turnout from the public and they have been very enthusiastic and supportive towards everyone who has taken part. I’d like to say thank you to them and our sponsors.”

Highlights of the procession included members of Wootton Bassett Tennis Club playing the sport on their float, Bournemouth Carnival Band performing dressed as Batmen being led by the Joker and Wootton Bassett Rotary’s pirate ship entry.

Marie Bernhardt, club president, said: “It is wonderful to be a part of the carnival and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. We are proud to support events like this which are a benefit to the town. We are really pleased with the float and a lot of effort has gone into it.”

There was entertainment running throughout the day with DJ Andy, Dorcan Steelers Steel Band, Swindon Samba and Great Bustards Morris Men performing.

There was also a fun fair running in Lime Kiln, which is where the procession finished.

James Edwards, 34, attended the carnival with his wife Denise, 33, and their children Ben, seven, and Jessica, three.

James, of Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “It has been great fun. There’s been so much going on in the town so we’ve made a day of it and we really couldn’t have wished for better weather.

“It has been fantastic being able to enjoy an ice cream, see the effort that has gone into the floats and have a go on a couple of the rides at the fun fair.”