IF you went down Bromham way at the weekend you could be sure of a big surprise.

For despite weather more suited to April than June people turned out in force at the village near Devizes to support the carnival Teddy Bear Trail.

Organisers were delighted with both the number of different teddy bears dressed to impress throughout the village but also with the number of visitors.

Peter Hindle from the carnival committee said: "The Teddy Bear Trail surpassed all our expectations with such a drab forecast. We sold 217 trail sheets. Over £200 was made on refreshments and, including the teddy sponsors, £1,198 was made for carnival funds which is outstanding."

Carnival chairman Pete Davis has been delighted with the popularity of the teddy bears. He said: "The trail has been rapidly increasing in popularity over the past three years.

"The theme for 2019 was Pop Stars, and we had 40 teddies displayed in and around the village centre."

The village is now preparing for Saturday when the carnival procession takes place. It will be a big day for the newly chosen carnival royalty of Princess Poppy Burton with her runner up Niamh Carter, young princess Layla Spicer, young prince Charlie Dix and his runner up Ron Collins.

The parade will be judged at 1pm on the Pound Field before setting off at 2pm and arriving at Jubilee Field at about 2.30pm.

There will be stalls, games, rides and fun for all the family including tea and cakes made by the WI in the Social Centre.

Between 6pm and 9.30pm there will be live music on the Jubilee Field.

For those who want to enjoy a bit of quiet time there will be a flower display and textile exhibition in the village church from 10am.

The village is already looking ahead to next year which will be carnival's 60th anniversary.

Mr Davis said: "Next year is a big year for Bromham Carnival - our Diamond Jubilee - sixty years since it all began in 1960. There will be special events during the year.

"I would like to thank all our sponsors, helpers and volunteers for all the work they do. Without their continued support we would not be able to have our unique and much loved village carnival."