Stiff upper lips and raincoats helped a west Suffolk village brave the elements and celebrate their 1940s-themed carnival yesterday.

It may have been wet, but Lavenham’s villagers were determined not to let it “rain on their parade”, still turning out in force to support the annual event.

The picture-postcard village has been hosting a carnival since the 1970s, with the Bank Holiday Monday event raising money for an extension to the existing village hall.

This year’s event turned back time to the 1940s, with a carnival procession featuring classic vehicles from the forties era as well as floats, traditional costumes and music.

Annie Eves-Boland, of the carnival organising committee, said: “We would like to thank everyone who attended and supported Lavenham Carnival.

“We might have had the elements against us, but no one was going to rain on our parade.

“The procession was a wonderful sight and set the tone for the whole event which showcased the great community spirit that exists in Lavenham.”

Proceeds from the carnival will be going to Lavenham Community Council, who will be extending their village hall after being granted planning permission earlier this year.

Ms Eves-Boland said: “In the past, the carnival has fundraised for the village pavilion and the village hall and we think this is a very fitting way to support our community this year.”

The carnival ran from 12noon with the procession featuring majorettes and an open-top 1940s bus carrying glamour girls and ‘evacuee’ children.

Lavenham Church of St Peter and St Paul also received a boost from the carnival crowds, hosting a bring-and-buy sale in a bid to raise funds.

Lead was stripped from the roof of the church last week, leaving the building in urgent need of repair – and their sale was hailed a success, opening for a few extra hours due to the demand of those sheltering from the rain.

The church’s Twitter account posted: “The weather is keeping people in the church. Thank you everyone for generously supporting us.”