THE FLOAT wheels may no longer be turning but a Hampshire village's carnival capers are still in full spin.

For the first time in its history - stretching back nearly 30 years - Netley Abbey Carnival was without a float for its grand parade.

Over the years the number of floats has been dropping but carnival chairman Terry Hammond says that the event is changing its emphasis with a walking procession and more family involvement. He believed the writing is on the wall for the traditional carnival float, adding: "Lorries are hard to find and there is also the cost of insurance and health and safety regulations over stewardship."

However, over the weekend villagers turned out in force to keep the procession well and truly on the road with an action-packed colourful walking parade. Although the sun shone black clouds had been gathering over the future of this year's carnival.

Previous processions have ended at the Hampshire County Council-owned Royal Victoria Country Park for a carnival show.

But the county council had insisted that the carnival increased its cover for public liability from £5m to £10m.

Mr Hammond said that the insurance bill would have rocketed from £100 to more than £700, bankrupting the carnival.

But he said that Hound Parish Council had saved the day by allowing the carnival show to be switched to the village recreation ground and Abbey Hall.

He said: "We are very grateful to the parish council for coming to the rescue and also contributing £550 towards the carnival."

This year's procession route had to be re-directed because of the switch to the recreation ground. But it gave more villagers a chance to see the costumes.

The Powrie family got into the new family spirit of the carnival with their saxaphone-playing Womble entry. It won a first prize in the adult family walking category for William and Christine Powrie and their children, Rachael, 12, Ben, 10, Nathan, 8, and five-year-old Joshua.

Other winners were: Children's Fancy Dress - Netley Abbey Junior School who were channel hopping with children's TV favourites.

Best Decorated Wheelbarrow - The Cooper family (Noddy and Big Ears)

General Overall Effort and Dancing: Hound Parish Junior Club..