One of the best weeks and processions in years was the general consensus when Aldbourne Carnival drew to a close with a parade of floats through the village on Saturday.

A large and appreciative crowd lined the streets to cheer the procession on.

Carnival chairman John Condon said: “Aldbourne Carnival Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that this year’s carnival was the best for some years.

“The weather was kind and a record number of people entered floats and lined the route.

“The fair on The Green following the procession was a great success and the two pubs, the Blue Boar and Crown Inn, were overflowing all evening.

“Once again another successful event was put on by village people in a lovely village for all to enjoy.”

Funds raised during the week of activities will go to local clubs and amenities, said Mr Condon, adding: “We are lucky that so many people are so generous.”

The week started with the selection and crowning of the carnival royalty. Instead of the traditional carnival queen villagers, for a second time in three years, chose a king instead. They elected Dan Way, 15, who goes to St John’s School in Marlborough, with Becky Powers, 16, a student at Swindon College, as his attendant.

The carnival princess was Kiera Condon, nine, and there were two carnival princes, Shaun Stacey, seven, and Christopher Digman, eight.

In the week leading up to the procession there were activities including a darts evening, treasure hunt, whist drive, quiz and supper night, bingo, a murder mystery evening and a visit by the carnival royalty to meet the elderly residents of Aldbourne Nursing Home. RESULTS Best in show and the Aldbourne Nursing Home trophy for the best adult entry: Aldbourne Gardening and Allotment Club; Most Original Cup and the Aldbourne Chase Farms Cup for adults walking: Two Peas in a Pod (Molly Cullis and Joan Phizackle); Most Humorous Cup: Women are from Venus Men are from Mars (Browning and Cullis families); DGH Cup: Noddy (Hungerford MOT Centre); The President’s Cup: Cinderella Rockafella (St Michael’s School); Laura Cooper Cup (walkers under 11): Safari (Edmundson and Pith families).