HUNDREDS of people lined the streets cheering the inventive costumes and magical floats making the Ilfracombe Carnival a rousing success once again.

Not even the wet weather deterred people from lining the route between Ilfracombe Rugby Club and the Harbour last Thursday to witness the colourful, outrageous and always entertaining parade through the town.

Sue Ayre, from St John Ambulance which organises the event, said: "The turnout has been fantastic considering the weather but then this is typically Ilfracombe.

"The quality of floats gets better every year. We have raised £2,644 so far which is very pleasing."

The first ever Around the Town Cycle Race, organised by North Devon Wheelers, was staged successfully before the main carnival event.

For more on the race see page 98 in the sport section of the Journal.

Town crier Roy Goodwin led the main procession with the Bideford Youth Pipe Band following closely behind.

Whether it was stars from Little Britain, ninja turtles or even the Elvis impersonator, all the entrants gained applause as they marched towards the harbour.

Perhaps the most eye-catching float featured a gigantic model horse carrying Uncle Tom Cobley and friends to Widecombe Fair.

Judging took place at the rugby club before the procession but Ilfracombe resident Shelley Anderson said: "The costumes and floats have been simply amazing. They all deserve a badge. The organisers never let us down with the carnival."

David Cole, from Berkshire, said: "I am really impressed by the carnival. There's just so much to see."

Leo Cooper, from Ilfracombe Rugby Club whose players who dressed as hillbillies, said: "What a tremendous turnout. The people in the town have braved the rain and turned out in force to support Ilfracombe."

The Out to Sea float from Ilfracombe Aquarium was crowned the overall winner and collected the Martyn Cup.

The Trade Cup was won by We Love Mummies from the Landmark Theatre.

The class 3 walking section was won by Red Hatters Shirley Hesman, second was Santa and Helpers Christine, Graham and Maggie Richmond and third was Pick of the Bunch Pat Glover.

The motorised section saw Knights and Damsels created by Rachel Daubney emerge victorious, with Parracombe School's Arabian Adventure in second and the Ghost Ship by Mark Booker in third.

The walking child contest was won by Maurice Charley Little Senorita, Marie Wonnacott 101 Dalmations finished runner up and Knight and Fair Lady Leah, Vincent and Ryan Gammon were third.

The class five walking group event saw Natasha Green Mario's Cart win the first prize, Razmatazz Church Brookdale Church in second, and Coronation Street 50 Years Maurice Jordan in third.