FAWLEY went carnival crazy as the fun-loving village enjoyed its annual knees-up.

A large number of groups entered floats in the parade, which set off from the Gang Warily Community Centre in Newlands Road. The floats had earlier been judged by a group that included New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis.

Dr Lewis said the high standard of entries made it almost impossible to separate the winners from the runners-up.

"This is one of the toughest jobs I've done all year," he said.

Winners included Fawley Brownies, who were dressed as Chinese dragons, and members of Fawley Parent and Toddler Group, who were disguised as jungle creatures.

The parade also included a vintage Daily Echo van and a specialist vehicle driven by coastguards. A group of friends raising funds for Fawley Youth Club entered two cars disguised as a giant bee and an equally large ladybird.

A cardboard fire engine built by Fawley Scouts was followed by the real thing - an appliance from Hardley fire station.

This year's carnival queen was 16-year-old Vanessa Chapman, who goes to Hardley School.

She was accompanied by her princess, Hannah Edwards, 9, and her two attendants, Lucy Bavizza, 12, and Kylie Jennings, 10.

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