THERE was dancing in the streets of Dorchester for the biggest and best town carnival in years.

Weather forecasters had predicted rain for the event on Saturday.

But despite grey clouds, the showers kept away and delighted organisers Dorchester Round Table declared the event the biggest and best yet.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch a record number of procession entries parade through the town.

New carnival queen Emmaly Ring and her attendants Stef Leonard and Natalie-Kym Vinnicombe led the way followed by a record-breaking 55 floats.

Emmaly said: "It's been fantastic. I am really looking forward to the next 12 months. It's a great honour to represent Dorchester.

They were followed by representatives from groups and organisations from in and around the town including the Army Cadets, local schools, and clubs who demonstrated everything from kickboxing to skateboarding skills.

And with the theme the Four Seasons there were plenty of colourful costumes with entries dressing up as summer and winter; snowmen, hula girls, wind turbines and even the football season.

Geoff Maskell, chairman of the carnival committee, said he was delighted with the way the event had gone.

"I think we have achieved what we set out to do. I said at the beginning of the year that I wanted to make it the biggest and best carnival ever and I think we have done that but if not we have something to build on for next year.

"I could not have done it without the support of the team and everyone in the town who got behind us."

Earlier in the day shoppers and carnival goers helped to raise hundreds of pounds at a range of side shows and stalls in South Street.

Punch and Judy kept youngsters entertained and music filled the streets with a first for Dorchester Carnival - a music stage.

Local bands including The Y' Strels' Band, Beat It and the Durnovaria Silver Band entertained shoppers and those watching the carnival.

And the closure of lower South Street to traffic meant that shoppers and were able to wonder freely in the town.

Marten Gregory, chairman of Dorchester Round Table said: "We have had a fantastic day. The bands played excellent music.

"It's been a record number of floats. In the past we have had 20 to 25 but this year we have got a fantastic number of 55 and would like to thank Dorchester for getting behind us," he said.

Carnival fun continued yesterday with a duck race on the River Frome.

RESULTS ROUND-UP: Children's floats: 1 Damers First School; 2 Westfield Technology College; 3 Grove Pre School Playgroup; Highly Commended - St John Ambulance Badger Sett.

Children's Walking entries: 1 Prince of Wales School; 2 Greenford Primary School, Maiden Newton; 3 Winterbourne Valley First School; Highly Commended: Clowns for Downs.

Open non commercial: 1 Poundbury and Community Carnival Group; 2 Weldmar Hospice Trust; 3 Bridport TLC; Highly Commended Magna Housing.

Open Commercial: 1 New Reflections; 2 SJR Bikes; 3 Kingston Maurward College; Highly Commended Belle Rose Nursing Home.