Romsey went Carnival crazy as shoppers and traders began the countdown to Christmas.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the town’s Winter Carnival was hailed as bigger and better than ever by organisers.

Wrapped up against freezing temperatures, people watched as the festive procession made its way from Station Road to the main shopping area, where Lady Brabourne, from Broadlands, switched on the town’s Christmas lights.

Carnival committee member Jackie Fry said: “The town was absolutely heaving with people. It was the best Winter Carnival that I can remember, and I’ve been involved with it for 15 years.”

Groups came from as far away as Dorset to take part in the parade, which was accompanied by music from the Romsey Old Cadets Carnival Showband and Stanleys Own Copythorne Scout Band.

The Tudor Rose pub’s winter wonderland float grabbed the carnival judges’ attention, taking the prize in the motorised category and being named as best entrant overall.

Three generations of the Drake family, who live in Romsey, dressed up in Christmas outfits and were named winners in the pedestrian category.

This year’s carnival queen was Charlie Day, 17.

Almost £1,000 was raised on the day, which will go to local charities, including the Romsey Air Cadets and 6th Romsey Brownies.

The event was held in memory of Romsey Carnival creator Sylvia Garland, who died earlier this year.