WINCHESTER’S Carnival had experienced a run of disappointing processions and the future of the event seemed uncertain - until the parade of 1988 drew huge crowds of onlookers into the city centre.

Celebrity guest Dickie Davies, TV’s Mr Sport, swapped a ringside seat at the recent heavyweight championship of the world for a place judging the 50 floats that took part.

As between the two events, he declared there was no contest.

“It is a little different from the Tyson-Spinks fight,” he said. “This lasted a little longer and it is a good deal prettier.”

Another of the judges was fresh across the Atlantic - Charles Zuckerman, Mayor of Winchester, Virginia.

“I have been here a week and I’m ready to go home to rest,” he joked.

Carnival organiser Mike Shearman paid a tribute to the support given by local firms and to Dickie Davies for giving up his valuable time.

Overall winner was UBM Ford’s Winnie the Pooh. The other cups went to the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, the South Coast Majorettes and top Les and Mary Morley from Winchester who put together a float with their children, grandchildren and in-laws