The streets of Burnham-on-Sea were illuminated last night as glittering carnival floats weaved their way through the town.

The annual carnival is the third event in the Somerset carnival procession, which is highly regarded as the largest illuminated procession in the world.

It is nicknamed the Magnificent Seven, as it includes Burnham, Bridgwater, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury and Weston-super-Mare.

Last night's spectacular was led by the Burnham Carnival Queen Jessica Rogers, 15, and her Princesses Danielle Hockey and Bethany May Ellis.

All three were chosen by judges at a ceremony in the town back in July.

Burnham entry Gee Wiz was submitted by Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club, which spent £14,000 on a 100ft long float lit with 12,500 lights.

Design work on the wizard float began a few days after last year's carnival.

Club chairman Mark Bishop said: "It's been another great team effort this year, with volunteers of all ages and skills helping us."

The favourite floats going into Burnham were Gremlins CC with Joust in the Best Open Features category, and Gemini CC with To The Trees for Best Tableaux category. Both clubs had secured wins at the first two carnivals, Bridgwater and North Petherton, and were hoping to make it three wins out of three. Gremlins CC entry Joust took about 12 months to construct and features about 20,000 lights.

The carnival will reach its glittering climax with the last Magnificent Seven event at Weston-super-Mare next Monday, with more than 100,000 people expected to attend from 7.15pm.