By Roddy AshworthA TOWN'S annual carnival procession has been declared a great success, despite high winds and a sudden downpour.Organisers of Clacton Carnival added the quality of floats, majorettes and music at Saturday's parade had been the highest for many years.

By Roddy Ashworth

A TOWN'S annual carnival procession has been declared a great success, despite high winds and a sudden downpour.

Organisers of Clacton Carnival added the quality of floats, majorettes and music at Saturday's parade had been the highest for many years.

The spectacular procession - featuring 38 floats, 12 carnival queens, seven majorette groups and six bands - started at about 6.30pm and made its way through the town centre

Nicola Freeman, carnival press officer, said the theme of this year's event was musicals and many of the entrants went to great lengths to make it a colourful and entertaining parade.

"There was an absolute downpour as we were about three-quarters of the way through the procession, but it didn't dampen anybody's spirits," she said.

"It was a shame because we lost the crowds and everybody got absolutely soaked. However, we thought it was one of the best line-ups we have had for a long time. So much effort was put into the floats and there were a lot of really big lorries."

The winner of the Theme award was Epilepsy Action, who based its Clacton Queen steam-roller float on Mary Poppins.

The best-dressed charity float was judged to be the Clacton Trinity Methodist Church, who based its float on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The winner of the humorous and topical prize was the Bebop Stage Performers, who themed its float on Cats.

Despite the rain, the event managed to raise £4,455 from collections, which will go towards the Clacton Community and Hospital Friends, Clacton and Tendring Shopmobility and the local branch of the RNLI.

After the excitement of Saturday's parade, the carnival continued yesterday with more festivities.

The Sunday Show, held at the Eastcliff Sportsground, included a grand car boot sale, a children's pet show and a range of craft and charity stalls.

There was also a custom car show for people to enjoy as well as feats of strength performed by a former champion and the world's strongest girl, Tony Brutus and Amanda.

Events in the arena included the Clacton Cheerleaders 2000, the Engaines Primary School Dancers and rock band Mustard.

roddy.ashworth@eadt.co.uk