THIS year’s Bournemouth Carnival came to a colourful close yesterday afternoon with a parade of floats through the town.

The procession marked the end of a week of children’s charity events including treasure hunts, duck races and a teddy bears’ picnic as well as sandcastle building.

Caja Toohey, 14, from Wallisdown was crowned Carnival Queen with Candice Lewis, 16, chosen as her attendant and Candice’s sister Shaznay, 11, the princess.

Committee spokesman Trevor Hunter was delighted that the rain had held off and the sun shone for the 30-strong float procession. He told the Daily Echo: “I’m ecstatic; the weather and turn-out have been absolutely wonderful.”

The procession included motorised entries including a 40ft flat-bed lorry full of traders from Parkstone dressed as characters from the hit film Grease, who were judged overall winners.

Walking floats included the Dorset Youth Marching Band, who won the best band award, with Bournemouth’s Olympic relay torch bearer Ray Jones posing for pictures with the crowds. Mandy Jarvis, committee vice chairman, thanked the sponsors and all those who had supported the carnival. She said: “We’ve been really well supported by the local community and businesses. It’s been fantastic.”

After the floats were judged at Monkey Island, the parade left the East Cliff to wind its way along Westover Road to Old Christchurch Road before heading towards the Triangle.