CARNIVAL queens from as far afield as France and as old as 76 descended on West End to prove that village life still flourishes in Hampshire.

The annual parade of colourful costumes, wacky floats and marching bands proved to be one of the best ever.

Among the carnival dignitaries were queens and princesses from the village itself and from Hedge End, Bourne-mouth, Bishopstoke and even Le Havre.

Wildern School pupil Emma Gabb, 14, led West End's court from a 1922 Model T Ford. She gave the day's events the thumbs up, saying: "The carnival really brings everyone together in West End."

Meanwhile, Hedge End's queen and princesses were accompanied by a more senior member of carnival royalty - pensioner Anna Pearson, 76.

Elsewhere, youngsters and grown-ups alike put on an impressive display of colour for the villagers lining the streets with themes ranging from the Wizard of Oz to 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The carnival's showband braved the heat to step out in heavy panda costumes for the march to Hatch Grange where a host of attractions awaited.

Parish council chairman Evelyn Street was one of the judges. She said: "The carnival is important because it helps keep our identity as a village. You get people turning out and realising that West End does have an identity."

Overall carnival winner was West End Pre-school with its walking Disney characters.

Top prize for best float went to Moorgreen Road Residents' Association for Cats, second was West End Youth Club's Wizard Of Oz float while in third was Friends of West End Carnival Show Band with Pantoland.

First prize for best walking group went to the 12th Bitterne Manor Cub Pack for 2001: A Space Odyssey, second were West End Brownies with Oliver! costumes while third was shared by 5th West End Guides with Wizard of Oz and 1st West End Rainbow Group with Bugsy Malone.