Hundreds of people lined the streets in Heacham yesterday to watch a colourful procession including a Chinese dragon and pirate ship make its way through the village.

The annual carnival parade, flanked by the 1st Heacham Scouts 2012 Olympic-themed float, started at College Drive at 2.30pm before making its way to the village's sports field.

Despite the dark clouds which loomed as the parade began, spectators were bathed in sunshine as the 15 floats drove, marched and trotted through the resort to the beat of the Ambassadors of Borrowash Showband.

The carnival queen and princesses float was sponsored by Norfolk Lavender and carnival queen Amy Noakes, 11, lead princesses Milli O'Quigley, Daisy Back, Emily Smith and Chloe Rumens, all seven, in waving to the crowds.

Five residents from nearby Sunnyside Close whizzed close behind in their mobility scooters and were joined by the youngsters on the Heacham in Bloom float in encouraging villagers to wave.

The Heacham Respite for Scarecrows, Just Clowning Around and Toy Story floats added to the atmosphere of the carnival parade, which has been organised by Heacham Parish Council since 2002.

Philippa Sewell, one of the event organisers, said: 'We have had a great day with some excellent floats again this year. There were a few dark clouds before the parade started but once the floats pulled out it was brilliant sunshine.

'Heacham has a long tradition of carnivals and it is still a big summer event for us – long may that continue.'

The overall winner for best float was won by the Heacham Judo club for their Harry Potter-themed float. It is the second year the club has claimed the title.