PORLOCK butcher Clive Downs put on his town crier's costume to lead the village's annual carnival parade last Saturday.

The 2010 carnival queen Stephanie Tucker and Princesses Lily Passmore and Lydia Waters were also at the head of a procession of 21 entries for the annual evening spectacle.

This year's line-up included four entries from Watchet's carnival in July, with a team from the Esplanade Club scooping the cup for the best alien entry - a new category - with Watchet Goes West.

Crowds lined the streets and thanks to the efforts of bucket-shaking collectors and the generosity of onlookers, at least £1,800 was raised for local charities and organisations.

The entertainment was kicked off earlier in the evening by Moses and his Barrel Organ, followed by displays from the baton-twirling Wellington Majorettes.

Stilt walkers Neptune Stiltskin and Ocean Queen also mingled with the crowds to entertain while the parade snaked its way through the village.

Among those supporting the carnival floats and walkers were firefighters from the village station, local coastguards and the Dolphin Marching Band.

Carnival spokesman Jacky Pietrusiewicz said the event had been a great success: "The number of entries was about the same as last year and we managed to raise about the same amount of money, which we are very pleased about considering Minehead's raft race was held on the same day.

"We were really delighted that we had four entries from Watchet and we are very grateful that they made the effort to come such a distance."

Local tea and coffee merchants DJ Miles walked off with the title of best overall entry with their interpretation of SS Great Britain.

The winners of the seven classes were presented with cups, rosettes and a piece of Bristol Blue Glass designed and donated by Jim and Susie Adlington from locally based Exmoor Glass.

Results (in 1, 2, 3 order)

Individual adult - Chris Miles (KnitWit); individual under 16 - Oliver Downs (Hamish from Braveheart), Charlotte Short (Zoe and Lucy, aka Zeke and Luther and Little One); junior walking group - Matilda Adlington (Pixie Protesters), Ella Keal, Ellie Griffin and Jess Garner (Carnival Queen Hasbeens), Kim Ely and Kevin Sparks (Toy Story Mania); adult walking group - Porlock Village People (Last of the Porlock Wine), DJ Miles (SS Great Britain), Porlock Recreation (The Reckers); trade, pub or hotel - DJ Miles, the Royal Oak (Wild West Porlock), Top and Bottom Ship (Chariots of the Dogs); junior mobile float - Porlock Under Fives (Mad Hatters Tea Party), DREAMS School of Dance (Recycle Rockers), Porlock Scouts (Scoutahontis); adult mobile float - Porlock and District Bowling Club (Roaring 20s), Healeys (Pick and Mix), Watchet Esplanade Club (Watchet Goes West); best comic entry - Porlock Village People; best topical entry - Porlock Ladies (Call Girls); best alien entry - Watchet Esplanade Club; overall winner - DJ Miles.

More pictures in the Free Press.