THE sun shone and thousands of onlookers lined the streets as Watchet Carnival turned up the heat for its annual extravaganza.

And with the expectations of the crowds high, the procession that snaked its way around the town did not fail to deliver the promised fun and entertainment.

From the exotic to the humorous, carnivalites had let their imaginations run wild on topics ranging from Christmas to wartime Britain.

Jackie Bale, spokesman for the organisers, said an estimated 3,000 people had turned out to watch the event.

"There seemed to be more people than ever on the streets, including quite a few holidaymakers," she said.

""The entries were stunning and the weather was great, which was a huge bonus.

"There was a fantastic atmosphere in the town all day."

For the 2011 event, organisers had arranged entertainment 'on the go', with street theatre performers keeping the crowds amused.

Samba bands and Watchet's own town band provided the musical backdrop for the day and the procession was followed by the traditional fete on the Memorial Ground, which this year was boosted by a beer festival run in conjunction with Watchet Football Club.

Carnival judges Pam Bosley, Dave Westcott, Frank Clegg and Steve Wawman faced the difficult task of selecting the winners, with the top accolade going to an outsider.

Wheddon Cross Carnival Club - regular entrants in the Watchet procession - took the Watchet Town Council Cup for the best overall entry, the Stella Alexander Cup for the best feature float over 30 feet, and the cup for the best alien entry.

Their take on the traditional folk song, Tell Me Ma, was colourful, professional and packed with blarney.

Meanwhile, first time entrants Mamsey House Nursing Home from neighbouring Williton enjoyed a double dose of success.

Their interpretation of the Women's Land Army scooped the Crier Cup for the best first time entry and the Dave the Mace Cup for the best feature float under 30ft.

Other results:

Howard Strong Memorial Cup (best walking single) David Milton, Pharoah's Fool; Wessex Malthouse Cup (best walking group) Watchet Guiding, Santa's Little Helpers, 2, Lauren Sherrin and friends, Are We Too Late for the Wheelbarrow Race?; Paddy Flynn Cup (best humorous) - Zippy Shopland, Eammon Paton, Nick and crew, Toy Story, 2, Kimberley Bidwell, Black Magic; Kidz Cup (children under 11) - Watchet Guiding, Santa's Little Helpers;2, Parrot Club, Dancing Dominoes, 3, DREAM Dance, Little Shop of Horrors; Anchor Inn Shield (best pub entry) - Anchor Inn, Anchor Carnival, 2, Watchet RBL, Wizard Christmas; best vehicle, Kimberley Bidwell, Black Magic, 2, Zippy Shopland, Eammon Paton, Nick and crew, Toy Story; John Hamilton Memorial Cup (best dressed shop) Corner Collection, The Wild West; best dressed boat (sponsored by Watchet Boat Owners Association, Peter Emery, Dreamcatcher; best illuminated boat (sponsored by WBOA), Martin and Sheila Stevens, Misty; Jade Chatfield Memorial Trophy (carnival queen) Alice Chamberlain. Runners up in the best feature float over 30ft were the Anchor Inn, Anchor Carnival and in the under 30ft category, Emma Umfreville with Cowboy Builders.