DRIZZLY June weather may have halted a day's play at Wimbledon, but it didn't deter Andoverians from supporting Saturday's carnival.

Defiant crowds turned out in their waterproofs to see the floats and colourful marchers entertaining children and collecting cash for charity.

Leaden clouds hanging above the town took a breather from chucking down relentless rain showers in time for the carnival's procession to make its way from East Portway to the town centre.

Waving to the crowds and riding the Fuller's Brewery Dray were Test Valley Mayor and Mayoress Neville and Janet Whiteley.

They were joined by floats based on the carnival's special book theme where many favourite storybook characters came to life. The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum proved very popular, with both the 5th Andover Guides and the Royal Oak pub at Charlton basing their floats on the magical yarn.

Collectors did their utmost to ensure the crowds gave generously by donning some unusual attire ranging from stilts to cat and mouse costumes that paid tribute to the nursery rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock.

Andover's Carnival Prince and Princess, Aidan Bainbridge and Charlie-Jade Smith, and attendants Grace Upton and Eleanor Coles added a regal touch to the proceedings by appearing on the sweet-smelling Weyhill Nurser-ies float.

Rod Woodland, president of Andover and District Lions Club, said: "I think it's amazing to see how all the organisations managed to produce so many good floats on a tight budget.

"All the volunteers put in a lot of hard work and brought a real party atmosphere to the town."

Results Senior Tableau - 1 Royal Oak Pub at Charlton, 2 The Vine Bookshop, 3 Marilyn Ings. Junior Tableau - 1 Andover Football Club, 2 Kenya Aid, 3 5th Andover Guides.

Senior Pedestrians - 1 Andover Music & Operatic Society, 2 Mark Ablett, 3 Robert Ablett.

Junior Pedestrians - 1 Elaine Frogley, 2 1st Clatford Brownies,3, Claire Tindal.

Mayor's Prize - Gee Bee Majorettes.