THE bi-annual Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival, held on a warm Saturday evening, has been branded “the best yet”, with a high standard of tableaux and walking entries and large crowds of people watching along the route through the village.

Judging of the tableaux and walking entries took place at the village primary school and it was the Garden Club with "The Wizard of Oz" which won the Best Costumes and Best Overall award, winning the impressive perpetual shield.

The Perry Cup for the best Children’s float was won by the Parent Teacher Association with World Cup.

The Best Walking entry (under 15’s) went to the Lewis and Pring families and friends as spectacular Red Indians.

The cup for Best Crowd Appeal went to the Football Club (101 Dalmations).

Other results were: Humorous 1 St Matthew’s Church, 2 Cheriton Twinning (Tour de Cheriton). Village Organisations: 1 Garden Club, 2 CLEO Group, 3 WI (Votes for Women).

Children Under 13: 1 PTA, 2 Cheriton Farmers (Royal Wedding).

Walking Groups: 1 Half Moon with helicopter, 2 Football Club with 101 Dalmations. Walking characters, under 16: Lewis and Pring families (Indians). Walking characters, over 18: Barbara Pratt, Snow Queen.

Awards were presented by Carnival King Harry Tonkin, assisted by attendants Izzy Taylor-Shorland, Lily Cavill and Lottie Mannion.

A Crediton Fire Brigade appliance led the parade after the Carnival chairman, Andrew Dean, dressed as a hula girl and a horse and carriage with the Carnival King and attendants.

There was also an impressive steam engine in the parade. A band played in the square to entertain before the parade arrived.

More than £1,000 was collected in donations during the evening and profits will go to village organisations.