YOUNGSTERS from South Zeal led the way for the traditional South Zeal Carnival celebrations.

Children assembled at the King’s Arms dressed as a colourful range of costumed characters on a chilly afternoon. They set off in high spirits down the village lane to the Recreation Ground, bubbling with enthusiasm for being part of possibly one of the last village carnivals surviving in Devon.

An exceptional range of illuminated floats filled with captivating characters lined up in the village for the evening parade as penguins, wizards and a Sticklepath Fireshow dragon mingled with villagers and visitors while judges mulled over their decisions.

The Exeter Pipes and Drums, AJ Electrics and Carnival Princess Serenity and Carnival Prince Alfie led the procession out of the village past enthusiastic onlookers lining the street. The presence and support of Young Farmers’ Clubs from around the county was very much appreciated and the visitors were made very welcome.

The carnival committee members expressed their thanks to the Exeter Band, AJ Electrics, a military tank owner, everyone in all the age groups for taking part throughout the day and to the villagers, parishioners and the visitors for the support received and for making the carnival such a success.

RESULTS for afternoon winners:

Groups: 1, The Emoji Family, the Guscott family; 2, Roald Dahl, Brownies; 3, Harry Potter, the Herridge family.

Under 5s: 1, Jockey 190, Cameron Moore; 2, JCB, Harry Abbot; 3, Darth Vader, Patrick Humphries. 5 to 7 years: 1, Barbie, Kate Abbott; 2, Ice Queen, Ruby Peplow-Moore. 8 to 9 years: 1, Tortoise, Samuel Luxton; 2, Butterfly, Bapta Lucy Abbot. 10 to 11 years: 1, Butterfly, Sophie May Luxton; 2, Tribal Warrior, Ed Selwood; 3, Cherokee Warrior, Tom Frangleton.

Over 12 years: 1, Emperor Penguin, Ben Rogers; 2, Hupplepuff, Ruth Frangleton.

Pairs: 1, Minecraft, Ashton and Daniel; 2, That’s Not My Lion, Alexander and Nathaniel; 3, CBeebie Bugs, Ionie and Coral; 4, Star Wars, Joseph and Charles. Wheels: 1, Bill and Ben, Ethan Banbury and Archie Dart; 2, Air Rescue, Oscar Barker and Jake Friend.

EVENING winners:

Artistic: 1, Rock Around The Cock, Dell and Penna families. Comic: 1, Animal Frenzy, Newton St Cyres YFC. Trade: 1, The Holy Grail, The Kings Arms, South Zeal.

Original: 1, Heroes, Sprockett Carnival Club; 2, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Winkleigh YFC. Topical: 1, Madagascar, Okehampton YFC; 2, Santa Claus, Okehampton Round Table. Visiting Royalty: 1, Hatherleigh 2015 Prince and Princess; 2, Okehampton Prince and Princess; 3, Okehampton Queen.

Walking Individuals: 1, Wizard of Magic, Graham Jones; 2, Emperor Penguin, Ben Rogers; 3, Chief Squaw Wobblebottom, Miriam Penna. Walking Groups: 1, Sticklepath Fireshow Dragon; Pedestrian Controlled Vehicle: 1, Air Rescue, Oscar Barker and Jake Friend.

Best YFC: Winkleigh YFC. Best Walking: Sticklepath Fireshow. Best Visiting: Penna and Dell families. Best Childrens’, Best Local, and Best Overall: Sprockett Carnival Club.