BUMPER crowds turned out to enjoy the carnival atmosphere in Bridport town centre at the weekend.

This year's Saturday night parade was longest in recent years.

Among the colourful creations was Flower Power from Groves Nursery complete with a giant rotating flower and decorated VW camper van.

Bridport's DT6 Carnival Club created a Ghost Train complete with dancing ghouls while the Horwood family came as a tribute to Elvis.

Encore Theatre Club were Beside the Seaside, Bridport Pantomime Players promoted Puss in Boots, and Brit Valley Rotary Club recreated a children's toy box with Thomas the Tank Engine, Andy Pandy, and Bob the Builder on show.

1st Bride Valley Brownies turned out as Robin Hood and his Merry Maids while Bridport Brownies took on the film Grease.

The 1st Bridport Scouts celebrated 100 years of scouting while Bridport Juniors FC showed off their ball skills to the waiting crowds.

Bridport's NCT dressed as Alice in Wonderland, while Bridport Lions took spectators around the globe and Mountjoy School recreated Night and Day. Charity event organisers Fun Inc brought Saturday Night Fever.

Bridport Round Table proved a hit with the crowds for their topical entry marking the introduction of lifeguards on West Dorset beaches. The men all dressed as Pamela Anderson and towed a lifeguard hut for their entry West Babe Watch.

Winners of the prize for best overall entry in the procession were the Boulay and Clewlow families for their entry, Wizard of Oz.

Mums Jane Boulay and Sharon Clewlow both work at St Swithin's Pre-School which will benefit from their prize money. The families dressed as characters from the musical and handed out rosy red apples, donated by Forbidden Fruits, to the crowds. Their entry also included synthetic grass thanks to Hevers.

Mrs Boulay said: "It took four weeks on and off to make everything, but it was certainly worth it. We didn't expect to win. We're delighted."

Six majorette troops took part with Merriot Majorettes, Karizma, Chard Goldstar, Honiton Twirlstars, and Wessex International Majorettes vying for the troupe prize won by Lyme Regis Majorettes.

The procession was followed by live music and dancing in South Street.

The carnival atmosphere continued on Sunday with a fete and car boot sale followed by the traditional torchlight parade from Bucky Doo Square to West Bay in the evening.

This year 1,500 torches were sold matching last year's spectacular parade.

Carnival chairman Shaun Fox said: "We had the largest number of entries in recent years and the longest procession for a while. It was a good weekend which everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy."

Bridport Mayor Geoff Ackerman said: "It was a terrific weekend and a wonderful time for families. It was good to see so many people out."

Cash collected over the weekend was counted by a team of volunteers on Monday with a total haul of £3,224 from 107,240 British coins and over 150 foreign ones.