DESPITE the worst weather that late November could throw at it, and multiple mechanical failures, South Brent’s Winter Carnival proceeded in style last weekend.

Saturday saw strong winds and plenty of rain, making life harder for the many spectators, entrants and organisers. But South Brent Carnival Club Secretary Jean Cleave reported a good turnout of floats and walking entrants.

The procession was delayed by about half an hour after a tractor towing the Nunsford Nutters Carnival Club’s ‘Gone Fishing’ float broke down on Haldon hill. South Brent’s own float had to be quickly unhitched to allow a rescue mission to be mounted, and the Nutters made it safely to the carnival with only a slight delay.

Not to be outdone, Sidvale Carnival Club’s ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ float also broke down, although luckily this time at Marley Head.

The procession featured a dazzling array of floats as well as queens from far and wide including Bovey Tracey, Totnes, Kingsbridge, Honiton and Ottery St Mary. Ipplepen’s float ‘Yer Tis’ took best overall, with best walker going to Lucy Thomas in her ‘endangered’ outfit, depicting various rare creatures.

Young Maisie Baker, six, from Kingsbridge was first in the children’s class.

Jean said: ‘It came in worse than we’d thought it might, but you can’t alter the weather can you. We really do apologise for the late starting.

‘Thanks to everybody that helped over the weekend, especially all the marshalls, but most of all thanks to the people that turned out to watch. We’d also like to thank Premier newsagent for collecting money for us, and Crumbs and Cuppa for letting us put our cups in their window for the week. Sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone.

‘Our next fundraising event is bingo on Tuesday, December 15 at 7.30pm in South Brent Village Hall.’