THOUSANDS of revellers packed the streets of Ringwood on Saturday as sunshine smiled on the town's famous carnival.

Spectacular calvacades and a cacophony of sound greeted the crowds who eagerly lined the route for the traditional twin parades through the town.

Carnival queen Katy Butler, 16, led the processions in a flower-laden fairytale carriage drawn by a team of magnificent grey Percheron horses.

Richly decorated floats paraded first in the sun, then by torchlight, together with marching bands, cheerleaders, steam engines and vintage cars.

A striking Chitty Chitty Bang Bang entry wowed admiring audiences with its winged car, evil child-catcher and caged children, while Harry Potter conjured up a magical display as the Hogwarts Express puffed along the line.

Even Jamie, Nigella and Ainsley joined in the fun to cook up a mouthwatering entry on the Ready Steady Cock-up float.

Procession organiser George Stuart said he was fielding entries into the float and fancy dress competitions right up until the last minute.

"We don't turn anyone away, even if they arrive on the day itself."

Volunteers from local good causes filled their buckets with pocketfuls of change from the crowds soaking up the atmosphere, with a group of scantily clad collectors in nurses' uniforms doing particularly well.

Live bands, street entertainers and funfair rides kept people in party mood between the parades, with the day rounded off by a grand fireworks extravaganza.

Set up on the Bickerley was a "village green" featuring traditional cream teas, a farmers' market, face painting and a host of craft and community stalls.

Ringwood mayor Cllr Michael Thierry paid tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who worked so hard to make the carnival - now in its 74th year - such a success.

"This is Ringwood town's premier event.

"It brings together the whole community - all ages are involved. It's a festival that not only the people of Ringwood can be proud of but the whole of the New Forest as well."