SUNSHINE smiles forced their way through the showers as Hedge End Carnival turned into another spectacular crowd puller.

Conditions had been looking good until that Wimbledon weather curse threatened to wash out the carnival fun as the colourful cavalcade moved off from the St John's Road Recreation Ground.

But this did not dampen the spirits of carnival revellers determined to make the most of the day.

Eastleigh mayor Councillor June Hughes was on her home patch to do the honours and crown the carnival queen, 14-year-old Zoe Richardson who, with her carnival court, headed the procession.

Spinners Dance Studio decided to make it a Strictly Come Dancing afternoon. Dancers, aged from 5 to 40, swept away those black clouds with the summer time dance beat of the Salsa.

There were gangsters galore as Bugsy Malone featured on the Freegrounds Junior School float.

And the Apache Cub Pack of the 13th Itchen North Scout Group took to the grey skies with an impressive flying machine which took them six weeks to build. Piloted by "Wing Commander Bob," their prize winning carnival effort was also part of the pack's air activity badge.

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