THE environment was top of the agenda at Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival.

Thousands of people lined the streets for the 48th running of the annual event.

Spidermen, unicorns and clowns were out in force, along with many others in fancy dress, to watch the procession snake its way through the town.

And Wootton Bassett Environmental Group took the chance to encourage people to think about climate change.

Its part in the carnival procession told the story of the threat climate change poses and how it could be tackled.

Member Jason Cook said: “We had people dressed like litter pickers, and others dressed as animals, flowers and trees to encourage people to think about the different ways to solve climate change.

“Our aim is really to raise the awareness on the environmental problems within the town and encourage everybody to come together.

"We want people to reduce their carbon output. Maybe swap to electric cars if they can or change their energy provider."

The owners of Wootton Bassett Dairy Mark and Tracey Robins have been taking part of the carnival for more than 20 years and decided it was the right time for them to promote recycling.

Tracey said: “Usually we decorate our bottles with anything to make it look pretty.

"But then we thought that we needed get the message across about the glass bottles and the importance of stopping using plastic.

"Our children used to dress up when they were younger and we used to put them at the back of the truck. They’ve grown up and they didn’t want to do it anymore, but we carried on!"

Carnival director Tom Patterson told the Adver the event had been a great success.

“It's been going for 48 years and it’s quite good for a market town," he said.

“It is good because we get a lot of money and it all goes back to the community, including local charities and groups.

“It’s my first year as a director, and I absolutely love it.

"This year’s carnival was absolutely brilliant. Look at the crowds – for a little town it’s brilliant.”

Visitor Anne Douglas said: “I’m happy to support it. It’s fun and kids enjoy it and it raises money for the community.