One of the biggest and best carnival processions for years in Aldbourne on Saturday had some memorable entries and there was a big surprise for the carnival president Audrey Gilligan.

Traditionally carnival presidents walk or ride at the head of processions and on Saturday there was a surprise for Mrs Gilligan when she discovered she was the ride in a horse draw carriage.

Carnival treasurer Monica Moreton said: “Audrey was taken round in a horse and carriage and she was so gobsmacked she has not stopped talking about it.”

The carnival procession came at the end of a week of activities that included a golf challenge; car rally, bingo, a visit by the carnival royalty to Aldbourne Nursing Home, a village quiz night, darts, a murder mystery evening with the week ending with a church service and band concert on Sunday.

However the main event was the procession of floats and tableaux throught the village on Saturday evening, starting from the Woodley’s Meadow assembly field in West Street.

Mrs Moreton said: “The procession was very good and most of the people I have spoken to said it was one of the better ones for some years.”

Among the outstanding floats were the Pirates of the Pond (Donald Barnes and friends) and Dad’s Army (Anne Sandford and friends).