SPLASHES of colour, glitter and happy faces filled the town when Andover Carnival came back for another year.

One of the biggest events in the town’s calendar featured around 275 people taking part in the carnival procession and Vigo Park packed with stalls, rides and live entertainment.

This year Andover Carnival raised money in aid of MS Society and Icknield School, and MS Society members were delighted to also claim top prize in the walking procession.

Society fundraiser Ingrid Allso said on the day: “It’s fantastic, just fantastic.

“I’m so excited we are such a little tiny group, all volunteers most of which have got MS. All the money we raise, we raise ourselves but to be chosen for this today and now we have won first prize!

“We absolutely love it, we feel very honoured we were chosen to be one of the beneficiaries; we have tried for a long time to become one of them.”

Walking groups Ruby Slippers and Brownies came second and third place respectively, while Andover Musical Theatre Company Starlights claimed first prize in the charity category, followed by Picket 20 group and Andover Model Railway Group.

Business category winners were Mitutoyo with its Mary Poppins-themed float, with Andover Central Club and Simplyhealth as runners up.

This year the judges were Christine Mellor from David Mellor Jewellers, Alana Peckham from Parker Bullen and Simon Potter from The Commercial Centre at Picket Piece.

Carnival goer Bethany Adams said her favourite float was by Andover Model Railway Group.

The 17-year-old added: “It was a wonderful event, really nice, good family atmosphere. Everybody was enjoying themselves.

“There was live music, a riot of colour, and it was lots of fun watching the floats with my family.

“It was lovely seeing Andover come out to support local causes and engage with the procession.”

The total funds raised from the day is yet to be confirmed but the Andover Carnival committee feel the whole event was a hit.

Committee chair Larna Burley said: "We felt the carnival was a great success again mainly due to having wonderful sponsors, lots of volunteers and a great team on the committee.

"It was well worth it and we hope we have raised much needed funds for our chosen charities.

"I loved the procession and getting back up to the park with the buzz, the whole atmosphere was great and we are already talking about next year.

"It was fantastic to see the crowds coming out and see happy faces on the children."

Four pages of pictures will be published in Friday’s Advertiser.