PIRATES, American Indians, and creepy Hallowe'en figures descended on Shaftesbury town centre for the town's carnival on Saturday evening.

They were among 64 floats in the main carnival procession watched by an enthusiastic crowd 10-deep in places.

The children's procession, which had around six floats and a number of walkers, took place earlier in the day featuring youngsters aged from just nine months to 15 years old.

Walkers taking part included masked ball party-goers and a walking jampot.

The procession enjoyed better weather than last year, when a sudden downpour threatened to spoil the well-supported event.

Later, participants gathered at the youth club for the presentations of cups to the winners.

Money raised will benefit St John Ambulance, the sensory garden at Yewstock School in Sturminster Newton and the St James Church Bell Appeal to repair the bells of the Shaftesbury church.

Gill Wallis, secretary of Shaftesbury carnival committee, said the carnival is one of the major events in Shaftesbury's calendar.

She said: "It was really colourful and there were lots of people watching. It was a really good atmosphere. The children's procession was of a very high standard.

"It was very well supported and we usually raise around £2,500 on the night.

"It was our 128th year and I think it was a really good one. Last year it absolutely chucked it down but the weather was fine this year.

"But even if we got rain, we would still get the crowds coming out because we are so well supported."

First published: October 3