HORDES of hounds, drummers dressed as fluffy animals, stripy legged BMXers and a little boy with a wheelbarrow were just a few of the colourful characters in this year's spectacular Bishopstoke Carnival.

Beautiful sunshine lent its approval to the occasion as the floats paraded through the streets of the Eastleigh suburb.

Robert White, 12, pushed a black panther in a cart all the way round the mile and a half route to raise awareness of his family's animal rescue centre.

He said: "It was extremely fun and I was happy to be part of the parade."

Labradors, Alsations, Shelties, Collies and German Shepherds were walked round by Fair Oak-based charity K9 K.OS who promote good treatment of dogs.

The Boyatt Wood Slappers took the stroll in their high-heeled stride and were awarded the Anita Holmes Cup for their efforts.

Hundreds of spectators were devastated to miss seeing Jean King wearing rubber breasts and a hula skirt after she tripped over a bike.

Ex-head chef Jean, who tirelessly raises money for the carnival's official charity the Childrens Neurological Unit at Southampton General Hospital, said she was "sick", "mad" and "livid" about missing the parade.

But she was delighted the carnival was such a success.

She said: "Lets hope we've raised lots of money for all the charities involved."

Carnival committee vice chair Anita Holmes said the turnout was the biggest since the annual event was relaunched in 1997.

She said: "We do it to give back to the village what the village gives to us."

Children and crowds amused themselves with tombolas, raffles, charity stands, second hand stalls, a huge bouncy slide and a bouncy castle.

The festivities continued on Sunday when contestants took part in a river float.

Punch and Judy shows, First Responders demonstrations and Irish dancing were among other attractions billed for the last day of the event.