Bourne Valley Nursery School, winners of the best large float prize.DOZENS of tots in colourful costumes joined in the fun during this weekend's Winterbourne church fete and carnival.

The procession, which set off in brilliant sunshine from the Defence NBC centre, at Winterbourne Gunner, slowly wove its way to the Glebe field, where an action-packed afternoon awaited children and parents.

Leading the procession was 11-year-old carnival princess Ella Hyland and 10-year-old carnival prince Harry Clive - both pupils at Winterbourne Earls School.

Bourne Valley Nursery School, Winterbourne Earls, teamed up with the Pavilion Afterschool Club, Bishopdown Farm, on board their eye-catching It's A Small World float.

Also taking part were children from the 2nd Winterbourne Brownies, who dressed up in an array of animal costumes for their Noah's Ark float, followed by members of the local church youth group, Mimo, who adopted a Matrix-style theme.

Handfuls of walkers ambled alongside the procession, dressed as cowboys, Indians, robots and hula girls.

The party continued when Judge Keith Cutler and his wife, Judith, officially opened the St Michael's and St Mary's church fete, which attracted dozens of local people, all enjoying the sunshine.

Judge Cutler said: "Many of the people around here know us and we were very pleased to become involved because it's a marvellous event and we are well in favour of them."

Winners at the carnival were Bourne Valley Nursery School, for the best large float; 2nd Winterbourne Brownies, for the best small float; Megan Hopkinson for the best decorated bicycle, and Oliver and Ben McEwan, first place among the walkers.

Attractions included the Wilton and District Youth Band, a tug of war, children's races, a barbecue and refreshments.

All proceeds from the event will go towards St Michael's and St Mary's Churches.