THE best ever ? that was the verdict after Princetown?s carnival day last Saturday, which saw hundreds of people line the streets to watch the biggest parade of floats for years.

Fine weather ensured perfect conditions for the event, which saw a succession of colourful floats and walking entries decorated in the theme of Children?s Books.

Kevan Elliott, vice-chairman of the carnival committee, said: ?It was brilliant, the best we?ve had for many years.

?We had a great parade ? we?re thinking of re-naming it the Princetown Water Carnival! It started a few years ago when somebody starting squirting a water pistol and now it?s part of the parade ? we did get a bit wet!?

Kevan said all the hard work put in by the committee, new to the job this year, has paid off handsomely in terms of funds raised for charity.

?We managed to collect more than £1,000 on the day and a lot of that will go back to local charities, such as the cubs, scouts and playgroup.

?We?re also hoping to put on a Princetown Pantomime in February, so some money will go to that, and next year?s carnival,? he said.

In addition to the parade, there were stalls and amusements in the football field, a ram roast and a disco in the evening, when the grand draw raised more than £400.

RESULTS: Best adult float, Princetown WI, The Snowmen; best children?s float and best in carnival, Princetown Primary School, Pied Piper of Hamelin; most humorous float, the Fitzpatricks, Biggles Flies to Princetown; most imaginative float, Barbie and Ken, Liz Cronin and Stuart Blake and Thomas the Tank Engine, Mark Gaze; best visiting princess, Bere Alston; best adult walking entry, Mr T Westacott; best dressed window competition, Princetown Library, Pooh at Pooh Corner.