The rain kept away throughout the day for all the participants in the annual South Zeal Carnival, the nineteenth since being revived by popular demand. The afternoon events centred upon the youngest of local people and there was no shortage of inspired costumes produced by parents for the enthusiastic band of fancy dress contestants to proudly show off on their parade to the village recreation ground. The children?s spirits were high despite the chill wind during the entertaining display by Buckland Filleigh Majorettes and the lengthy judging process, but the beaming smiles of the young competitors warmed the crowd and the delight of the winners made the event another success for the organisers. Eyes that were turned to the sky as evening approached saw only good prospects and the eyes of visitors as they viewed the floats assembled for the procession saw yet again that a small village can produce entries that are a delight and credit to the tradition of late autumn events. The test of producing something special was undoubtedly passed by competitors this year. The crowds were entertained by another fine carnival when the parade passed by, with carnival queen Katie White regally leading the way. Musical accompaniment was provided by the ever popular Hatherleigh Band as a host of floats filled with joyful competitors showed yet again that traditions can continue with the help of local people. Thanks must go to all those that made carnival day a success yet again, the organisers, sponsors, helpers and participants. Anyone who would like to be involved in organising next year?s carnival should call 01837 840946 or 840443. Carnival results: Childrens? fancy dress, Under 5 years: 1 Minnie Mouse (Alice Luke); 2 Morris man (Tom Frangleton). 5 ? 7 years: 1 Clockwork doll (Emillia Bazeley); 2 Blackcurrant (Deanna Gillings); 3 White Rabbit (Elsa Frangleton). 8 ? 9 years: 1 Japanese Girl (Jessica Punchard); 2 Vampire (Beth Frangleton); 3 Witches (Anya Barnes ?Barret and Friend). 10 - 11 years: 1 Shrek (Callum Maller). Pairs: 1 Double Trouble (Laura Bazeley and Bonnie Bolt); 2 Cowboy and Indian (Noah Ebner and Oliver Johns); 3 Tom and Jerry (Helen and Angus Haygarth). Groups: 1 Ugly Bug Ball (South Zeal Pre-School); 2 Dr Who (South Zeal Beavers); 3 Harry Potter (South Zeal Cubs). Over 12s:1 Dartmoor Pixie Band (Danny Watkins, Thomas and Charlie White). Overall Winner: Ugly Bug Ball (South Zeal Pre-School). Evening Carnival Procession results: Artistic: Car Wash: Butt and Mills families; Comic: Pigs Might Fly, the Watkins and White families; Original: Boogie Nights, John Martin and Friends; Topical: Shaun of the Dead, South Zeal Scouts; Visiting Royalty:1 Okehampton Prince and Princess; 2 Okehampton Queen. Single Walker: 1 Rupert Bear (Graham Jones); 2 Recycletron (Neil Bisby). Pairs Walking: 1 Double Trouble (Laura Bazeley and Bonnie Bolt); 2 Pink Pigs (Maria Guscott and Kerry Miller); Best overall: Car Wash (Butt and Mills families); Best local: Pigs Might Fly (Watkins and White families); Best childs?: Car Wash (Butt and Mills families); Best visiting: Car Wash (Butt and Mills families); Best walking: Double Trouble (Laura Bazeley and Bonnie Bolt).