AROUND 10,000 people basked in sunshine for Saturday’s Ringwood Carnival.

The crowd lined most of the route into town from the Parkside Estate.

There were hundreds of children and adults dressed as gnomes, chickens, RAF pilots and more.

Thirt-five walking entries and vehicle-drawn floats took part and committee member Alan Turcan said: “It’s a really successful carnival.

“This is the same number as last year but not as a many as before the recession.”

There were two processions – at 2pm and 7.15pm – and a funfair at The Bickerley.

Highlights included the spectacular imitation Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car made by Stuart Wallis, 54, from Ringwood.

Marching bands included Talbot Corps of Drums and Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band. Schools included Ringwood Infants and Poulner Infants.

The event raises around £5,000 for Ringwood charities.

Mayor Cllr Steve Rippon-Swaine said: “It’s marvellous. If the Government wants to talk about localism, Ringwood has been doing it for decades.”