A town centre carnival which has spanned more than nine decades proved it was still as bright and buzzing as ever when hundreds of people attended this year's sun-soaked community event.

Watton's annual extravaganza saw the High Street closed off and in the place of cars and traffic was a host of family entertainment, ranging from lucky dip draws to live music, children's fairground rides to guessing games.

The highlight of the day was the walking parade which saw a train of youngsters weave their way through the town, wearing a kaleidoscope of fancy dress costumes, including Tinkerbell, pirates, animals and Pink Panther.

Today's parade was led by a bagpiper with Watton Town Mayor John Rogers and carnival princess Sophie Bates, and her five attendants, closely behind in freshly polished classic cars.

Mr Rogers said: 'It's a special occasion for Watton, not only does it give a lot of charities the chance to raise a lot of money but it is also a big deal for the town as a whole. It's an important day in the town of Watton.'

Margaret Devine, chairman of Watton Twinning Association, said: 'It's a big day in the town. We are very lucky with the weather and it's an opportunity for people to raise funds for their clubs.'

Groups involved in the parade included Tree Tots Playgroup, Noah's Ark Baby and Toddler Groups, Westfield Infant and Nursery, Perfect Day Nursery, Watton Pantomime Group and Watton Twinning Association.

Beryl Goulding, 71, who lives in Watton and was with her two sisters Sheila and Daphne, her niece Sarah and Sarah's children Jack and Rosie, said: 'I come every year. I used to be in the carnival many years ago when I was a little girl. I think it's marvellous that it's still going, especially for the children.'

Andy Verrinder, 40, from Carbrooke, who was with his sons Kai, nine, Tazio, eight, and Yannick, four, and whose daughter Iome, three, was in the parade, said: 'It seems to be bigger this year than last year with more people in the parade this year which is good to see.

'It's good to see so many people out, it's a really good, feel-good community event.'

To see more photos from the event, go to this story on our website.

Have you got a Watton story? Email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk.