It was one of Halesworth Carnival's best years ever, as the sun shone brightly on the thousands of people who came out to enjoy it.

It was one of Halesworth Carnival's best years ever, as the sun shone brightly on the thousands of people who came out to enjoy it.

People lined the streets to watch the colourful floats wind their way through the town centre, and gathered afterwards to try out the fairground attractions and to watch the bands play in the town park.

Joining the fun for the first time was a German carnival troupe from Halesworth's twin town of Eitof, and their float, which gave out glasses of lager, proved very popular.

The fire service won the prize for the best float for the fourth year running, and Pat Harper, who masterminds their displays, decided to break with tradition and appear on the Alice in Wonderland float as the Queen of Hearts.

Her son-in-law, firefighter Barry Smith-Howell, said: "My mother-in-law is the artistic one. Without her we would be struggling. She always organises it but this is the first year she has taken part."

The parade was led by the Lowestoft Air Training Corps band and the carnival queen, 12-year-old Laura Perkins, with the Suffolk School of Samba noisily bringing up the rear.

At the park, long queues soon formed for ice-creams and children enjoyed face-painting, trampolining and inflatable slides. There was a beer tent for the adults along with tombolas, charity stalls and martial arts displays.

Among those enjoying the attractions were Karen Bench and her family, from Badingham.

Mrs Bench said: "We are really impressed. We are enjoying it today and the kids are like 'wow!'."

Her son Zachary, six, said he enjoyed all the floats - especially the one that sprayed him with water.

The event was organised by Halesworth Lions, and will raise money for cancer research and local charities.

Organiser Mandy Hawksley said: "The turnout this year has been absolutely brilliant."

For those with a competitive streak, there were prizes for the pet show, the best children's fancy dress, and the traditional plastic duck race, which rounded off the afternoon.