WIND and rain showers on Saturday failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for this year’s Melksham Carnival.

For the second year running, the event was hit by inclement weather, which saw the day peppered by sunshine and showers.

Carnival committee chairman Becky Burchell said: "It rained just before the procession was due to start but then cleared up and then rained again afterwards.

"But it failed to dampen the spirits of those taking part and we had an absolutely fabulous procession."

Melksham's mayor, Cllr Adrienne Westbrook, said: "It was a brilliant day. The Melksham Carnival gets better every year and once again the crowds came out to support us."

The main streets were awash with colour and sound as the annual procession passed through Melksham town centre.

It featured 29 groups, including large floats walking groups, individuals, charitable and voluntary organisations and dancers.

The procession was led by the Carnival; Royalty: Carnival Queen, Sharon Vivian; Carnival Princess, Hailie Heathcote; Butterfly Princess, Sidney Birch; Fairy Princess, Emily Vivian; Carnival Page, Henry Alford.

Those taking part in the annual procession included the Melksham Town Crier Peter Dauncey.

The individuals and floats taking part competed for prizes in categories including best float (Melksham Rugby Club), best school (Aloeric Primary School), best performance (In2Dance), best walking group (Ebz Biker Babes) and Mayor’s choice (The New Male Majorettes).

For up to two hours from 5.30pm onwards, the streets were lined with spectators who clapped and cheered the individuals, walking groups and organisations who took part.

Despite the weather, the Fun Day activities in King George V Playing Field went ahead as planned even though 12 gazebos were blown down by the wind.

Thousands of people from the town and surrounding villages turned out to take part in the family-orientated fun day, which was cut short by the high winds and rain.

In the Bonny Baby and Carnival Cutie contest, former Carnival Queen Michelle Brightwell kept it in the family for the second year in succession.

Her son Austin Newman, aged 5, took the Carnival Cutie title last year. This year her youngest son Guy Newman, aged 10 months, claimed victory.

The winner of the Bonny Baby competition was 10 month old Phoebe Hanroads.

Daisy Alford with Lottie took the 'best in show' title in the Fun Dog Show at the King George V Playing Field.

Other entertainment and activities included refreshments, crafts and charity stalls, tombolas, children’s rides and much more.

The carnival programme, available from local shops and organisations in the run up to Saturday’s event, contained an entry form for the Spot the Oddity competition, which has a first prize of £50.

During the procession, the police closed Bath Road, Bank Street, Lowbourne, Ruskin Avenue, Pembroke Road, Coronation Road, Spa Road and the High Street while it passed along the 1.7-mile route.