IT was an

earlier start than anticipated for the preparations for

St Briavels Carnival.

Around 30 people responded to an early morning appeal on Saturday to help rescue a marquee that had been blown away overnight.

Tessa Charley, one of the organisers, said: “It’s this real sense of community spirit that makes St Briavels such a wonderful place to live.

Although the wind and rain continued through the morning, it cleared just in time for the floats and walking entries to gather at the Tump near St Briavels Castle.

Mrs Charley said: “The standard of floats and fancy dress this year again was exceptional and our thanks go to all entrants for the preparation, effort and hard work that is involved.

“It was a tremendous turn out for such a small village and we know that the children of the village really enjoy taking part.”

St Briavels School juniors were judged the best float and won the Edward Page Memorial Cup for their Roaring 20s theme with their singing of songs from the period impressing the judges.

Second, and winners of the Dyke Stephens Memorial Cup, were

St Briavels School infants with SS

St Briavels.

The Janet Parry Memorial Cup was awarded to St Briavels Playgroup for its float based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The prize for the best group went to Maya Hall, Izzy Connor, Anna Berrisford and Grace Woodhouse whose entry was based on the film Avatar.

In the 11-18 year category Lauren Bennett and Lottie Goodwin as Maleficent and Aurora were the winners while Emma Blandford and Izzy Thompson won the seven to 10 years category as Alice and the Mad Hatter.

First prize in the under seven category went to Ella Watson as a fairy.

Other attractions at the carnival included music from Friends Uke-nited and a zumba flash mob from Wye Valley Zumba.

The money raised by the carnival goes to the upkeep of the village playing fields and in recent years there have been significant improvements with new play equipment and fitness stations for adults.