The north Suffolk town of Halesworth was a riot of colour this afternoon as it held its annual carnival.

A fleet of colourful floats and a small army of residents in fancy dress paraded through the town from Blyth Road to the park.

Onlookers laughed and clapped at some of the bizarre and historical characters that passed them, such as Queen Victoria, who was certainly amused at all the fun antics going on with many people dressing up in red, white and blue.

There was also a oil rich Sheikh offering to buy Norwich City and Ipswich Town, a menacing Dalek, Olympians, and a chirpy chimney sweep.

Among the local groups taking part were members of the 2nd Halesworth Guides.

After the parade there was wide range of fun activities in the park, followed by a river plastic duck race with 2,000 entrants.

Today's carnival was organised by the Halesworth Lions, which will give the proceeds from the day to local good causes.

John Keeble, Lions club carnival committee chairman, said: 'It was a very successful day. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the weather was perfect.

'We could not have asked for any more.'

Mr Keeble said it would be by the end of the week before he knew how much had been raised.

The Lions had been hit earlier in the month when their other fund-raiser event, the Wings and Wheels spectacular at Henham Park, near Southwold, had to be cancelled last month because of wet weather