A COLOURFUL cavalcade of costumed characters packed South Zeal last Saturday, as the village staged its annual carnival.

Hours before the carnival floats began to line up, children from toddlers to near-teens assembled at the King's Arms for the children's fancy dress parade down the lane into the village and on to the recreation ground, led by carnival princess Ava O'Donal and prince William Guscott.

The sun of a warm autumn afternoon enhanced the children's dazzling costumes, making judging more difficult, but rewarded organisers, families and everyone present with a magical start to the traditional carnival.  The anticipation of the judging to come and happiness of participation continued in the evening as illuminated floats filled with colourful characters lined up in the village street, as a fan-tailed peacock, St Trinian's girls, fire show figures and even fairy cakes mingled with other characters, villagers and an increasing number of visitors.

A warm evening was enjoyed by everyone as Okehampton Silver Band led the procession out of the village past enthusiastic onlookers lining the street showing their appreciation, as the float of the carnival princess and prince blazed the way towards Sticklepath.

The success of this first class carnival was largely due to Dawn Watkins, her family and the committee whose dedicated fundraising work all year round ensures that carnival  day continues. The committee would like to thank Okehampton Band, everyone who took part throughout the day and to villagers, parishioners and the visitors for the support received.

Afternoon prizewinners: Groups:   1, Brownies Brazil — South Zeal Brownies; 2, Star Wars —the Herridge and Pearse families; Joint 3, Robin Hood — South Zeal Cubs and Pre-School is a Nightmare — South Zeal Pre-School. Under 5s: 1,  Snow White — Kate Abbot;   2, Pippa Pig —Cameron Guscott; 3, Unicorn — Issy Smith. Five to seven years: 1, Red Arrow— Seb Watts;   2, Autumn Fairy — Lily Beth; 3, Dracula — Berne Maxwell. Eight to nine years:  1, Robin Hood — Ed Selwood. Ten to eleven years: 1, Gingerbread man and fox — Ruth Frangleton; 2, Sweet Tooth — Peter White. Over 12 years:  1, Peacocks don't lay eggs — Ben Rogers; 2, Butterfly — Lauren Abbot;  3, Devon Box Troll — Christabel White. Pairs:1, Mickey and Minnie — Alfie and Isabella Pope;  2, Alice and the Mad Hatter — Elsa and Beth Frangleton; Joint 3, Minions — Archie and Reggie Guscott and Unicorn and Princess — Issy and Abby Smith. Wheels:  1, Young Farmers Market — Penna and Dell families; 2, K9 and Dalek Archie Pope. Overall winner: Young Farmers' Market. 

Evening prizewinners: Comic: 1, Support Our Local Market — Okehampton YFC; 2, Trotters Market — Penna and Dell families. Trade: 1, Under The Sea — The Kings Arms, South Zeal. Original:  1, Scarecrows' Harvest — Sprockett Carnival Club; 2, Pirates of St Eyres Bay — Newton St Cyres YFC;  3, Wellies and Onsies Party — Cheriton and Tedburn YFC. Topical: 1, 100 Years Since WW1— Winkleigh YFC. Walking Individuals: 1, Peacocks don't lay eggs — Ben Rogers; 2, We Will Remember Them — Graham Jones;  3, Party Mania — Valerie Harvey. Walking Pairs: 1, Fairy Cakes — Nicola Butt and Courtenay Bolt. Walking groups: 1, St Trinians — Bazeley, Rowland, Jecks and Frangleton families; 2, Sticklepath Fireshow. Pedestrian controlled vehicle:  1, Tractor and driver — Reubens and Callum.  Best visiting: Winkleigh YFC. Best walking — Ben Rogers. Best childrens, local, overall — Sprockett Carnival Club.