THE pomp and ceremony of Royal Ascot passed through Porlock on Sunday afternoon – on the back of a lorry!

Friends and neighbours from Porlock’s Healeys sheltered housing complex put on their glad rags especially for the village’s annual carnival on Sunday.

And their entry – Healeys at the Races – was judged best in carnival, as well as best adult mobile float and best trade entry.

Kerry Manicom and her Minions at the Weir won the prize for the best topical entry, which was also judged the best junior mobile float, while Porlock Panto’s Muppets won best comic and best adult walking group.

Kelly Creech and the Nautycals won the chairman’s choice award, while the honour for best individual adult went to a D J Miles teabag, aka Winston Keal.

Nappies to Nippers won the best junior walking group with Countryside Tots, Chris Miles was the best individual adult with his entry All Things Carnival, while Marilyn Hill and Chariots of Fire was named as the best visitors’ entry.

David Hancock, chairman of the carnival committee, said the carnival had been particularly well supported by visiting competitors from Watchet and thanked everyone who turned out for the grand parade.

“The good weather certainly helped and we raised just over £1,900, which was 16 per cent up on last year,” he said.

The procession, which got underway at 6pm, raises money each year for local organisations and charities.

The parade was led by the town crier, local firefighters and vintage vehicles, as well as carnival queen Amalia Thornewill and princesses Courtney Hosken and Tamra Bruce.

There were also displays by Wellington Majorettes, morris men and a samba band, while stilt walkers and a jazz band helped to entertain the crowds.

The parade itself was followed by a disco and prize presentation in the village hall.

Results and picture special in the Free Press.