By Lisa CleverdonCROWDS of people lined the streets and basked in the sunshine as a popular carnival procession made its way through a village.They turned out in Lavenham yesterday to watch the colourful floats travel along High Street and on to the village playing field, marking the beginning of this year's carnival.

By Lisa Cleverdon

CROWDS of people lined the streets and basked in the sunshine as a popular carnival procession made its way through a village.

They turned out in Lavenham yesterday to watch the colourful floats travel along High Street and on to the village playing field, marking the beginning of this year's carnival.

After the procession, revellers were able to enjoy a feast of entertainment including a fairground, owl and sheepdog displays, craft stalls, sideshows, rare breeds and more than 450 classic cars.

Ashley Fitzwater, a member of the Lavenham Community Council, which organises the event, said: "The carnival has been running for more than a decade and each year it gets bigger and better.

"People seem to travel not just from this area, but from all over the place to come and see the procession and take part in the events on the playing field."

All the proceeds from the carnival go to the community council and then get put back into Lavenham. This year's carnival will help pay for a new village hall.

John Elmer, who travelled from Ipswich especially for the event, said: "I used to live in Brent Eleigh so I think it is nice to come back and show support for the organisers and for Lavenham.

"It always has such a good atmosphere and the whole village turns out for the event, so it is quite a social occasion.

"It is nice that a village the size of Lavenham is able to put on such a successful event every year and there is always something for everyone."

lisa.cleverdon@eadt.co.uk