HARRY Potter, Cruella DeVil and the team from Thunderbirds were just some of the fictional characters represented at the ever popular Netley Marsh carnival.

Brownies wove a zigzag down the road dressed as a huge caterpillar in the carnival centred on the village near Cadnam. Another group of Brownies delivered the goods dressed as envelopes in homage to the Royal Mail. Netley Marsh Scouts added pomp and ceremony to the occasion with a brass band.

But the stars of the show were the carnival queen and princesses who were in the front flower-laden float of a parade from the Gamekeeper Pub to the village hall.

At St Matthew's Church Village Hall carnival queen Hannah Pasotti, 13, officially declared the event open.

Flanked by princesses Lauren Gentle, nine, and Megan Williams, six, Hannah said: "I'm very happy to be the carnival queen."

Winners were announced in four categories with first prizes going to Netley Marsh School, the First Netley Marsh Brownies, the Second Netley Marsh Brownies and the Rufus Cubs. About 400 village residents settled down to watch a superb performance by the Solent Dog Display Team.

There was a martial arts display by the Southampton Tae Kwon do Academy.

There were jumble stores, a coconut shy, a big bouncy slide, a barbecue and other diverting stalls and attractions.

Co-organiser Ian Simms said: "We're hoping to raise about £1,500 for funds to be split half and half between the church and the Netley Marsh Scouts and Guides groups."