The carnival season exploded into action with a bumper weekend of glittering floats and snaking parades. Wellington hosted its 121st event on Saturday with thousands turning out to watch the show.

They kept their fingers crossed for better weather after last year's washout and were not disappointed. They packed the streets and cheered the dazzling array of more than 40 floats and walking entries weaving their way from Rockwell Green, through the town centre to Chelston.

Wellington Majorettes wowed them their baton twirling and Wellington's firefighters led the procession as it set off at 7.30pm.

Carnival queen Tessa White waved enthusiastically as she passed through the streets, followed by local dignitaries.

Youth clubs and community groups got into the spirit of things, modelling incredible costumes of everything from pirates and pantomime characters to witches and wizards.

But the night belonged to the members Harlequins Carnival Club of Ilminster which dominated the parade and swept the board, winning prize after prize.

The club's Invasion of the Lion King float was easily of Bridgwater Carnival standard and as a result came first in the feature float category, won best costume, best-dressed tractor driver and the Sprit of Carnival award as well as rounding off the night by being crowned overall champion, an amazing start to the South Somerset Circuit for the club.

Donald Jenkins, 56, sporting a sheriff's hat for the occasion, had made the journey from Chard to Wellington to watch the parade.

He said: "I love carnivals. I've never been to Wellington before but I try to get around as many as I can. There's something special about this time of year and every town has a different atmosphere.

"I'm impressed by the turnout here, Wellington seems to be a really well-supported carnival and there are a lot of families about, which is nice."

And the carnival atmosphere continued in Dorset as Shaftesbury held its own extravaganza. Spectators packed the town centre to watch the action unfold, kicking off with a display from the Dorset Morris Minor Club, followed by the children's carnival in the afternoon, ensuring revellers were well and truly warmed up for the evening's climax.

Carnival secretary Gill Wallis said: "It was a wonderful night and we had lovely weather which brought people out and was a change from last year. People seemed to really enjoy themselves and everything went very smoothly.

"We've been counting the donations this morning and we haven't finished yet but it's looking good."

Judges were bowled over by the standard of entries but had to chose between them to dish out the silverware.

Gillingham Carnival Club took the top trophy for best feature float with its red-hot Fire Cracker entry and took home the Burton Challenge Cup.

But Shaftesbury-based Revellers Carnival Club took the second prize and also won the best local entry award with its exotic Diamonds of India float.