A GREAT day — that was the verdict following last week's carnival procession in Tavistock, the culmination of a week of events staged by the town's Lions Club.

Heroes and villains was the theme of this year's carnival, which gave great scope to the entrants to the procession, who sported a wide variety of colourful and inventive costumes.

Lions spokesman Steve Grummitt said: 'We seem to have the luck of the Irish when it comes to the weather — it was just about dry for the parade.

'We had a great week all in all, from the fun day in the Meadows, the rock night in the town hall where we raised sufficient money to buy a ShelterBox, and a very successful concert in the church.'

This year's carnival has raised £2,154 which will be distributed to the charity groups, clubs and schools that participated in the procession and other events during carnival week.

Steve said: 'It's about 20% down on last year — probably due partly to the weather, the current economic climate and the fact that this year, 18 club members had to be deployed on traffic management as opposed to collecting money from the spectators along the route.

'We did have some help from Horrabridge Cavaliers, but we did lose a lot of experienced collectors — whether that affected the total we'll never know.

'However, generally the whole week went very well, we had a great time and we raised a reasonable amount for local charities.

'It was also great to see so many kids taking part — there were some really good heroes and villains.'

Steve said the Lions are now taking a well-earned rest before gearing up for the next big event in the Tavistock calendar — the balloon fiesta, which takes place during the first weekend in September.

Carnival Results:

Baby Show (sponsored by Dukes Coffee House and Boots): Under 1 year winner, Elliott Thomas Bassett of Tavistock; Over 1 year winner, Tanisha Jago of Tavistock.

Class winners of the Companion Dog Show: Any variety of puppy (6-12 months), Daisy owned by Mr Collie of Bere Alston; Any variety of hound and terrier, Chillie owned by Mrs Worth of Tavistock; Any variety gun dog, Daisy owned by Mr Collie of Bere Alston; Any variety of toy and utility dog, Charlie owned by Mrs Symons of Tavistock; Any variety of working and pastoral dog, Sadie owned by Mr Collie of Bere Alston; Any variety Open, Jet owned by Mr William of Tavistock; Any variety of dog (over 7 years of age), Willow owned by Mr McClements of Tavistock; Best in show, Daisy owned by Mr Collie of Bere Alston; Reserve best in show, Chillie owned by Mrs Worth of Tavistock; Best child handler (under 12 years), Lara with Miss Elya of Tavistock; Best child handler (12 years and over), Fletcher with Mr Kyriacou of Plymouth; Best rescued/rehomed dog, Ziggy owned by Mr Sherwood of Tavistock; Best cross breed dog, Coco owned by Mrs Symons of Tavistock; The prettiest bitch, Sasha owned by Mrs Downing of Buckland; The most handsome dog, Bumble owned by Emma of Tavistock; The best golden oldie (over 7 years), Coco owned by Mrs Symons of Tavistock; The dog the judge would like to take home, Meg owned by Miss Walczak of Tavistock; Best Novelty in Show, Bumble owned by Emma of Tavistock; Reserve Novelty in show, Sasha owned by Mrs Downing of Buckland. Competition Judge was Hilary Searle. Prizes were supplied by Ron's Pet Supplies and Arden Grange.

Pavement Artists Competition (sponsored by Mainly Stationery)

Judges: Anne Wroath and Chris Grummitt

Under 5 years: Winner, Paige Bowyer, 2nd, Eloise Alder, 3rd, Oliver Walker; 5-8 years: Winner, Ed Buckett, 2nd, Rhys Etherington, 3rd, Maisie Renshaw; 9 and over: Winner, Jack Dashper, 2nd, Katie Gray, 3rd, Ella Ross.

Carnival Procession:

Best in Procession, Tavistock Community Primary School (£150); Best in Carnival Theme, Lamerton C of E School (£100); Visiting Carnival Queen, 1st Liskeard (£60), 2nd Bere Alston (£40), 3rd Launceston (£25); Humorous, 1st St. Andrews WI – Whitchurch (£100), 2nd Abbey Garden Machinery (£70), 3rd Devon Wedding Cars (£50); Artistic, 1st Old School Children's Centre (£100), 2nd Lamerton C of E School (£70), 3rd Tavistock, Gulworthy and Brentor Churches (£50); Walking Class 1, 1st The Batty Crew (£40), 2nd Southern Troupers (£30), 3rd Barnardos (£20); Walking Class 2, 1st Tavistock Community Primary School (£50), 2nd Tavistock Scouts (£40), 3rd Robert Owen Communities (£30); Walking Class 3, 1st CHICKS (£50), 2nd Tidybrook Team Project (£40), 3rd Dartmoor Rescue Group (£30).

The winners of Best in Procession and Carnival Theme each receive a perpetual shield and a trophy to keep and a cash prize as indicated in the brackets above.

Next year's Carnival Day will be Saturday 21st July.