They may have had to abandon their float after of brake problems, but nothing could dampen the spirits of Gorgons Carnival Club as its members walked the streets of Wells in their home town carnival.

The club's Spirit of the Hawk entry, featuring tomahawk-wielding native American warriors, did not reach Bridgwater Carnival last Friday because of brake problems.

It managed to get to North Petherton and Burnham-on-Sea but after that it had to be pulled out, but the club is determined to take part in all the remaining parades of the Somerset Guy Fawkes circuit.

Sharon Pickford, club member, said last night: "We've lost the float but nothing can stop us, how about that for carnival spirit?

"We will be at Glastonbury tomorrow and at Weston-super-Mare on Monday."

The club is urgently seeking new members and anyone who can match its members' enthusiasm should ring Shelly on 01749 674391.

Fellow Wells Club Globe is also demonstrating that you just cannot stop carnival.

It may have had to put razor wire round its compound to deter thieves, but at least it was able to get its float on the road after a burglary six weeks ago left it in deep trouble.

The thieves cut through copper cables on the float and the club had to spend an extra £1,000 on security gates and other equipment as well as replacing £600 worth of cabling.

Club captain Tony Grimstead said last night: "We're doing all right and everyone is feeling upbeat. The theme of our float this year is Carnival.

" It's an unusual theme and we weren't quite sure if the crowd would understand it but we're getting a really great reaction."

Carnival queen this year is Hannah Wall, nine, and Jordana Leigh-Dabinett, 10, and Aimee Ambrosini, also 10, are this year's carnival princesses.

The spectacular parade of colour and light snaked through the ancient medieval streets with the sound bouncing back from the walls of the building.

Thousands crowded into the city centre lining every inch of pavement and stamping their feet in the cold. Everyone wonders what some of the skimpily dressed showgirls and space warriors wear underneath to keep warm.

Wendy Anderson, dressed as an elegant Indian woman in jewelled sari on the Revellers Carnival Club of Shaftesbury float, revealed: "I'm wearing a flesh-coloured camisole and dancer's tights to make sure I keep warm."

Attention to detail is vital to win points and Shambles Carnival Club from Shepton Mallet was leaving nothing to chance with its Mary Poppins tableau. The pigeons lining the edge of the float were pecking for scattered grain and behind them was the end result, pigeon droppings.