PORLOCK pulled out the stops to stage a showtime carnival that celebrated events ranging from the Olympics to the world of Disney.

Crowds lined the streets for the annual procession last Saturday and onlookers were treated to a cavalcade of entertainment.

With fine weather a welcome accompaniment, the crowds were in generous mood and bucket collections raised just over £1,600 for local charities.

The 2012 carnival was led by Porlock's own village crier, local butcher Clive Downs, whose voice just about held out.

Also at the front was local youngster Tilley Adlington, who carried the Olympic torch through the village earlier this year.

The Bideford Youth Pipe Band, the Wellington Majorettes, the Dolphin Marching Band and the Stiltwalkers helped set the scene for the host of walking and float entries who followed carnival queen Ellie Dean-Smith and princesses Willow-Rose Oriarna-Jewel and Charlie Connor.

Judges had a tough task deciding the winners but as well as category prizes they also handed out a string of special awards.

Porlock Visitor Centre was named best comic entry with an array of Disney characters from Minnie Mouse to Cruella Deville.

And Olympic-themed Lily and Imogen Passmore took the prize for the best topical entry, also scooping the 'best in carnival' title.

Members of water-based activities group PALS impressed by going back to school with a St Trinians's interpretation that was awarded the 'chairman's choice' prize.

And West Somerset-based DREAMS dance group won a 'specially commended' award.

Carnival committee chairman Philip Weaver said the event had been a great success and that the crowds had been very generous - "although we had a few interesting donations from coinage across the world, as well as an old halfpenny, florin and farthing and one old lithium battery," he said.

This year's procession was the first to make use of the village's new access road leading from Sparkhayes Lane back to the main road.

"We wait for feedback to see if it was a popular choice," said Mr Weaver.

"It certainly reduced the time that people lining the main street had to wait for the procession to return, which also meant that the main road was able to be opened earlier."

Mr Weaver said he wanted to thank everyone who took part and helped at the event, including the marshalls and stewards, Porlock Fire Brigade, coastguards, the police and members of St John Ambulance, as well as businesses who sponsored classes or adverts.

"Finally, my personal thanks go to all the carnival committee for all their hard work in making the 2012 carnival such a success.

"Well done also to all the entries - it takes all of us to make a great carnival, which it certainly was."

Results

(In 1, 2, 3 order)

Mobile float, adult - Healeys (Nursery Rhymes), Porlock and District Bowling Club (Dreamboats and Petticoats), Top Ship (Robin Hood of Porlock); junior - Richard, Rose, Ethan and Millie Shopland (Winter Wonderland), D.r.e.a. m.s School of Dancing (School of Rock); individual, adult - Christine Miles (Flying to the rescue), Andrew Short (Where's Wally), Steve Spurrier (Bradley Wiggins); under 16 - Lily and Imogen Passmore (Olympics), Tamara Bruce and Daniel Freeman (Poorly Village Hospital); walking group, adult - Porlock Pantomime and Drama Society (Porlock Pirates), The Royal Oak (Noah's Ark), Porlock Ladies (Glastonbury); junior - Minehead Youth FC, Jasmine Connor (Hula Girls), Charlotte Short (Farmer and Cow); trade, pub or hotel - The Royal Oak (Noah's Ark), Porlock Visitor Centre (Disney), Top Ship (Robin Hood of Porlock); visitors - Suzette Jones (Lastminute.com 'Turkish Delight'), Richard,Rose, Ethan and Millie Shopland (Winter Wonderland), D.r.e.a.m.s School of Dancing (School of Rock).

Special Awards

Best comic entry, Porlock Visitor Centre; best topical entry, Lily and Imogen Passmore; chairperson's choice, PALS; best in carnival, Lily and Imogen Passmore; specially commended, School of Rock.

Photos: Steve Guscott