Thousands of people lined the streets of Diss today for its annual carnival parade.

Organisers spoke of their delight after a record number of more than 30 floats, walking groups and motor powered participants took part in the parade through the town centre this afternoon under overcast skies.

The procession was attended by Red Riding Hood, Old MacDonald, three Cinderellas, the Fairy Godmother, and Humpty Dumpty and a host of other characters to mark the fairytales and nursery rhymes theme.

An estimated 4,000 residents and visitors descended on Diss for its fourth carnival event since its resurrection and family fun day at the football club.

A host of different vehicles joined the parade route, including horses, ponies, Harley Davidson motorbikes, scooters, vintage tractors and a steam powered steamroller from Bressingham Steam Museum. Music and dancing was provided by the Smokehouse Blue jazz band and the Hoxon Hundred Morris group.

Doreen Collins, carnival coordinator, said she was 'delighted' and 'emotional' to see the number of entries involved in this year's procession.

'It has all come together nicely and there seems to be a lot more people in the town and at the fun day than last year and we have had a better turnout in terms of support. They really do make a tremendous effort to dress their floats,' she said.

Diss mayor Mike Bardwell, who helped judge procession competition, added that the quality of the entries was 'exceptional' this year.

The winner of the best community float was Palgrave Primary School, which featured characters from four stories - Sing a Song of Sixpence, Ding Dong Bell, Jack and Jill, and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Bressingham Primary School's Cinderella-themed horse and cart was judged the best walking group and Merryfields play school won the business class with their Cinderella float.