Carnival fever gripped Tenby on Saturday night as the town's seventh annual winter cavalcade burst into life.

A huge crowd of people lined the route of the Winter Carnival parade and they were treated to a festive pageant of colourful and painstakingly created illuminated floats - none more so than those designed by the resort's four schools - brightly costumed fancy dressed entrants, Samba dancers, plus Father Christmas aboard a pony and trap.

The entries covered a variety of different themes and among those in the procession, which had a police and fire brigade escort, were jingle bell rocking teachers, jungle buddies, creatures from the Blue Planet, stars from Harry Potter's School of Wizardry, snow fairies and a whole host of other Christmas characters.

Following on from Narberth Winter Carnival the week before, three lorry-borne entries made a trip to the seaside to join in the fun, namely Marros Riding School's Day at the Races, the sparkling 'Just A Flying Visit' created by Dennis Mason and friends and the amazing Quasimodo and his Ding A Lings, complete with the Hunch Back (Ken Howells) riding high on his bell.

Also on hand to give the event a civic salute from her festive float was Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, who was accompanied by mace bearers Eric Dorling and John Morgan and town crier, John Thomas.

What's more, for the first time in recent years, the carnival was blessed with one of the driest, yet crispest nights of the season so far, delighting the organisers, participants and an estimated 3,000 spectators.

In the countdown to the parade, the party atmosphere was cranked up in Tudor Square by DJ Steve Briers and his roadshow, while afterwards, the fun continued with a family disco at the De Valence Pavilion.

Commented Elaine Rowe, of the town's Chamber for Trade and Tourism, who organised the event: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who gave so much time and effort to produce such a wonderful selection of floats. It really was a fantastic display and the weather was perfect."

And for those with a 2002 diary, next year's carnival will be on Saturday, December 7.

However, this year's results in the various categories were:

FLOATS

Mayors Trophy for the best float overall: Quasimodo and his Ding a Lings (Woods Cross Carnival Club).

Charity/organisation: 1. Quasimodo and his Ding a Lings (Woods Cross Carnival Club).

Business: winner - A Day at the Races (Marros Riding Centre); runner-up - Christmas Capers (Trafalgar Stores/Londis).

Schools: 1. The Blue Planet (Greenhill School); 2. Harry Potter's School of Wizardry (Tenby Junior School); 3. Rock and Roll Christmas (Tenby VC Infants); 4. Jungle Buddies (St. Teilo's).

Private: winner - The Snow Fairies (Jan Hill and Ann Evans, sponsored by Lloyd Evans); runner-up - Just a Flying Visit (Dennis Mason and friends, Narberth).

FANCY DRESS

Under eights: winner - Christmas Present (Matthew Harries); runner-up - Father Christmas (Tyler Head).

Eight - 14-years: winner - Computer Virus (Sarah Dunne); runner-up - Austin Powers (Shane Roberts).

Best group: winners - Gweithwyr bach Sion Corn/Santas Little Helpers (Ysgol Meithrin, Dinbych-y-pysgod/Ti a Fi, Tenby Welsh Playgroup).

Best pair: winners - Mrs. Claus and Fairy, Defence League (Bonnie Johnson and Sheena Fisher).

BEST DRESSED

SHOP WINDOW

1. Gift of Glass (second year running); 2. Baytree; 3. The Caldey Shop.

STAFF FANCY DRESS

Winner - Serendipity Games Centre.