SOUTH Brent’s famous winter carnival well and truly made up for last year’s near washout, with hundreds lining the streets to see the floodlit procession.

The highlight of the village carnival club’s calendar was a much drier affair this year, with a good turnout of both entrants and spectators.

Clubs from across the South West came to join in the fun, from as far away as Honiton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Colyton, home of the Nunsford Nutters Carnival Club. There was plenty more local representation too from the likes of Totnes, Bovey Tracey and Ipplepen.

South Brent Carnival Club’s ’Swinging 60s’ float was a standout once again, although the Best Overall prize went to Ipplepen’s ’Africa’. South Brent Amateur Dramatics Society also won a prize for its entry, which saw the cast of upcoming panto Sleeping Beauty join the procession on foot.

Kingsbridge youngster Maisie Baker returned to win best pedestrian, having come first in the children’s class last year.

South Brent Carnival Club secretary Jean Cleave noted that some who would have taken part in the procession could not, as their costumes had been destroyed by terrible weather at Wells carnival earlier this year.

After the procession, everyone taking part headed to the hall at the recreation ground for hot soup and pasties.

Mrs Cleave, whose husband Gerald is club chairman, was pleased with how the event went. She said: ’Thanks to all the marshalls, and all the committee members who work really hard to get the show on the road. Thanks also to the ladies in the Rec hall who served the food, and all the people on the floats.

’Thanks to everyone - you never know who you’ve left out.’

The club raises money throughout the year to cover the considerable expense of running two carnivals. Its next fundraisers are bingo on Tuesday, December 6, at 7.30pm in the village hall, and a cabaret night on February 4 at Rattery village hall.