SCORES of people are expected to line the streets of a Hampshire parish for its annual carnival celebration.

West End will be transformed into a sea of colour as the carnival returns with a range of parades and activities this Saturday.

The carnival procession will see 20 local groups and businesses taking part and will start from Quob Lane, West End at 1pm.

It will then move to West End High Street before heading to Hatch Grange.

The procession will be led by the Big Noise Community Samba Band from Gosport, followed by the carnival queen, her court and citizen of honour Zena Ramplee, who was a carnival princess 50 years ago.

Residents will also be able to enjoy the carnival fete which will take place in Hatch Grange from 2pm.

The theme for this year is children’s books and more than 40 stalls, attractions and a carnival tea tent will entertain residents along with a dog show held by Blue Cross.

Rick MacDonald, chair of the carnival association, said: “With events like this falling by the wayside every year, we in West End pride ourselves on our carnival.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to meet up with old friends, and make new ones.

“It is just great to see our community, and visitors from surrounding villages,

enjoying a day of fun and laughter, and at the same time raise funds for local groups and not for profit organisations.”

Groups and schools including StreetBeatz, Moorlands Primary School, PropBox and Gantry Youth Theatre Groups will also be performing in the main arena throughout the day.