A HAMPSHIRE town welcomed all creatures great and small as the community went animal crackers.

Totton Carnival comprised a long line of Jungle Book-style floats that made their way from Calmore Industrial Estate to Eling recreation ground, which once again hosted the annual carnival show.

Roads were closed and hundreds of spectators lined the streets as the procession, headed by a large number of powerful motorbikes, travelled through the town.

This year's animal-related theme provided plenty of scope for creative costumes, eye-catching headgear and painted faces.

The Totton-based Midforest Veterinary Practice entered a float full of people dressed as animals and veterinary nurses. A large sign on the side said: "It's crackers here at the vets. Who's in charge - the pets!"

Those taking part in the carnival included Totton and Eling Community Association and Totton College, which sponsored the event.

Representatives from Oakfield Primary School were dressed as King Neptune and other mythical creatures. Totton's Jo Hyne Dance School staged a "farm fest" and the Hedge End-based Big Mouth Theatre held a party at Toad Hall.

One of the smallest floats was an old-style van driven by Hythe businessman Mark Thurston-Jones, managing director of Thurston Image Solutions.

He said: "It was built in 1984 and is loosely based on a Model-T Ford. It's a handful to drive but can do about 55mph and is still used on a daily basis."

Music as provided by the Meridian Corps of Drums, the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band and the Romsey Old Cadets Carnival Show Band.

Organisers thanked RG Maidment Ltd and DRS Logistics after the two firms stepped in to solve a shortage of lorries and trailers.