THOUSANDS of people lined Hampshire streets to welcome the return of one of Britain's oldest carnivals.

Traffic ground to a halt and crowds clapped and cheered as the Titchfield Carnival rolled into town.

The flagship event has been held almost every year for more than two centuries - making it the oldest in Hampshire and one of the longest surviving in the country.

And there was a Halloween twist with skeletons on segways, and children dressed as witches and vampires among the highlights of the main afternoon procession as more than a dozen spectacularly decorated floats winding their way along the village's high street.

Memories of England's historic World Cup triumph in 1966 came flooding back with surviving members of a group that entered the 1966 carnival dressed as England's World Cup heroes returning to the procession.

Carnival princess, Lily Hands was crowned by Fareham MP Suella Fernandes and retired Bonfire Boy Roger Banner.

Earlier revving engines and the smell of burning petrol filled the air as celebrations opened with a classic car show with more than 80 vintage vehicles rolling through the village.

Live music was provided by the Dolphin Marching Band and the St Andrew's Pipe Band.

Other groups taking part include the Romsey Old Cadets and the Wickham Baggies Morris Dancers. Caribbean singer Alexander D Great will also put in an appearance.

The day was surrounded off with a beacon-lighting ceremony held after darkness fell.