PORLOCK was in party mood for its annual carnival celebration with a parade that hit all the right notes.

Live music and marching bands set the scene for spectators as the procession wound its way through the streets last Saturday.

Town crier Tim Nixon led the way with the help of Porlock's firefighters as the prelude to an evening of entertainment that was enjoyed by both spectators and those taking part.

Carnival Queen Thea Lazarus and her princesses, Lauren Batiste and Genevieve Pratt, were aboard a float that was escorted by a trio of classic military vehicles.

And the following procession of colourful floats and walking entries that snaked its way through the village was helped on its way by stiltwalkers, jazz musicians and marching bands.

The coveted title of 'best in carnival' went to an entry from Porlock's Healeys sheltered housing complex - the Robin Hood Lums and the Knight Riders - which also won the adult mobile float and trade/pub/hotel categories.

Bucket collections raised an impressive £1,750 on the day, the majority of which will be split between local charities and projects.

Porlock Carnival Committee chairman David Hancock said the event had been a great success.

"I'd like to thank the many volunteers, supporters and committee members who made this a memorable experience in my first year as chairman," he said.

"I would also like to thank the police, fire service and St. John's Ambulance for their sterling work and contribution on the day.

"It is so important for us all to support these traditional events - it would be a huge loss to our village if carnival was consigned to the history books."

Results in 1,2, 3 order:

Adult mobile float - Healeys (The Robin Hood Lums and the Knight Riders), Porlock and District Bowling Club (West Country Hoedown), Exmoor Adventures (Exmoor Adventures); individual adult - Christine Miles (Exmoor Heroes), David Milton (Wee Willie Winkie); individual under 16 - Freya Pearson (flamenco dancer); adult walking group - Royal Oak (Dr Who, When, Why and What For), D J Miles (Les Mileserables), Suzette Jones/Lastminute.com (Pigs Might Fly); junior walking group - Churches Together in Porlock (Noah's Ark), John and Tamra (Long John Silver and Parrot), Denise Hardwick (Power Ranger and Peter Pan's Pirates); trade/pub/hotel - Healeys, Royal Oak, DJ Miles; visitors - Suzette Jones /Lastminute.com, Dianne Turner (Watchet Misfits); best comic entry - Suzette Jones/Lastminute.com; best topical entry - Exmoor Belles; chairman's choice - Porlock Ladies (Old But Cutie Bathing Beauties).