Thousands lined the streets of a Hampshire village today to welcome its spectacular annual carnival.

Hedge End was awash with colour as the annual extravaganza returned to the community in style.

The event has been running for 90 years and this year’s theme is 'All Things Bright and Beautiful.'

Schools,community centres and local businesses all took part in the parade decorating more than12 floats in stunning designs and colours and donning intricately made fancy dress.

Crowds clapped and cheered as they wound their way from St Johns Road through the village before finishing to a fanfare at Greta Park rounding off the celebrations with a spectacular gala show.

The procession was led by Carnival Queen Emilie Foster-Star accompanied by Carnival Princess Martha Seymour, Prince Taylor Angell-Collins and Senior Queen Sheila Spicer.

Prize winners included Jumping Jacks Pre-School for their pirate ship float and Hampshire Freight Services transforming a huge lorry into a Wizard of Oz scene.

Stuart Cooper, 33, from Harefield, and daughter Minnie, two, won overall best prize with him pushing her in a wheelbarrow decorated with freshly grown flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Stuart, who grew up in the town, was entered into the car oral as a youngster and added: "it's a generational thing - Hedge End has such a great community and everyone comes out to celebrate."