THIS year's Dulverton Carnival will probably go down in the record books as one of the hottest ever as both spectators and participants made the most of the unseasonably hot weather.

The presence of the Bristol Samba Band and Dancers added to the tropical feel of Saturday's big event, while stilt walkers and members of the Bampton Mummers entertained the crowds before the main procession got underway.

Staff and regulars at the town's Rock House Inn stepped back to the '60s and boarded the good ship Radio Rock to win the Best Pub Cup and the best artistic float in the parade.

Top honours also went to members of Wiveliscombe Young Farmers' Club with their version of the children's classic Jungle Book.

They scooped the Best Young Farmers' Club Cup and first prize in the comic section, beating Kingsbrompton Young Farmers' Club and Exmoor Young Farmers' Club into second and third places respectively.

In the children's float section, the honours went to Wheddon Cross Carnival Club and their Irish-themed float, which also won the Best Village Cup.

They beat the Dulverton and Brushford Allsorts! and their tribute to the Smurfs into second place, although the Allsorts! did collect the Best Performance Cup.

Young Martha Williams was named the best single child walker as the nursery rhyme favourite Little Bo Peep, while A-Team muscle man Mr T won first place for Freddie Hayes in the adult walkers.

Carnival stalwart Beryl Gale powered to victory in the best small wheeled entry section with her comical take on Sooty and Sweep, while Star Wars landed members of the How family first prize in the group of walkers category.

Once again, onlookers were encouraged to make donations to help cover the cost of staging the grand event and the top collector this year was Ben Sweitzer with £127.37 in his bucket.

Ben travels from his home in Uffculme each year to help raise money at the annual parade.

Results - and different pictures - in this week's Free Press.