EXCITEMENT was in the air in South Zeal last Saturday as the annual carnival took place in beautiful autumn weather.

The multi-coloured spectacle of happy costumed characters ready and eager for the children's fancy dress competition filled the King's Arms car park during the afternoon.

Led by the carnival prince and princess, Vinnie and Anya Holland, the children set the tone for the day with beaming faces and happy chatter as dozens of them set out on their traditional procession to the recreation ground that marks the opening of the annual carnival festivities.

Parishioners and visitors alike appreciated creative costumes that inspired the children to perform with gusto along the route.

The afternoon also saw the opening of the Victory Hall to the public to enjoy a village show with increased classes providing entry opportunities for a wide range of age groups.

Tables filled with an array of vegetables, preserves, arts, crafts and cookery confirmed the expertise and talent of local people.

Villagers and visitors happily enjoyed a warm enough autumn evening to ensure the main village street was filled as the carnival floats lined up for judging.

Villagers, Bill and Joyce Worthington, were particularly happy to see their granddaughter Michelle Holland and their great-grandchildren, Vinnie and Anya Holland with their mum setting out to lead the evening carnival procession to Sticklepath and back as the carnival royalty.

Young farmers' club members made an impact on this year's event with some excellent floats, Bob the Builder from the Winkleigh club provided comedy, a taste of the Rugby World Cup came courtesy of Okehampton club, the next generation of farmers from Bow provided the temptations of Viva Las Vegas while some terrific drumming my Cheriton and Tedburn YFC members captured everyone's attention. Much appreciated also was the presence of the Okehampton Carnival Queen and the Okehampton Prince and Princess on their individual floats, the latter young couple taking the 'best overall' float award.

Outstanding among all the colourful, illuminated, floats was 'Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves' created for the evening by two local families whose use of the song ensured its instant recognition and singalong popularity from appreciative crowds.

Also making music in the procession were the ever popular Bideford Pipes and Drums Band and Energia, the Plymouth Samba Band, while popular majorettes, the Torrington Twirlers added their stylish routines to the evening's entertainment.

The carnival committee have expressed their thanks to all entries for their hard work and to those who helped behind the scenes to stage the carnival, which raised funds for breast cancer charities and local organisations and ensured participants and onlookers enjoyed a truly marvelous day.

South Zeal Carnival 2011 results:

Afternoon: Children class 1, groups, 1, Pirates of the Caribbean – Brownies; 2, Ghost Train – Beavers. Class 2, under 5s, 1, Robin Hood – William Guscott; 2, Mario – Dayton Yuseff; 3, Jockey – Eva Tucker. Class 3, five to seven years, 1, Old Brown Owl – Kaitlyn Meardon; 2, Fire engine –Sienna Watts; 3, Lightning McQueen – Ed Selwood. Class 4, eight to nine years, 1, Spooky Come Dancing – Emilia Bazeley; 2, Queen Elizabeth – Maddie Watts. Class 5, ten to eleven years, 1, Pied Piper of Hamlyn – Elsa Frangleton; 2, Dartmoor fairy – Christabel White. Class 6, Wheels, 1, Greeks – Cubs; 2, Gnomes on Holiday – Cameron Guscott. Class 7. Pairs, 1, Mary had a Little Lamb – Lauren and Lucy Abbott; 2, The Princess and the Pea – Phoebe and Poppy Pengelly; 3, Buzz Lightyear and Woody – Myles Keegan and Archie Pope. Class 8 12 years and over, Nanny McPhee – Beth Frangleton. Best overall, Spooky Come Dancing – Emilia Bazeley.

Evening Carnival Results:

Comic: 1, Bob the Builder – Winkleigh YFC; Trade: Reddaway's; Original: 1, Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves – Watkins and White; 2 Cheriton and Tedburn YFC; Topical: 1, Rugby World Cup – Okehampton YFC; 2, Viva Las Vegas – Bow YFC; Royalty floats: 1, Okehampton Prince and Princess; 2, Okehampton Queen. Single Walker: 1, GB 2012 – Graham Jones; 2, Monster – Niel Bisby; 3, Fry Tucker – Brian Hopper. Groups: 1, Glow like a scout – Scouts; 2, Robin's Hoodies. Vehicles: 1, Missing Gnome on holiday – Guscott family and friends, 2, My Old Man said follow the van – Linda Clinch; Best visiting: Okehampton Prince and Princess; Best local; Watkins and White; Best Walking: Graham Jones; Best overall: Okehampton Prince and Princess.