A village carnival evoked the war time spirit and was a fun family day out.

Coggeshall Carnival took over the village on Saturday with a host of colourful and imaginative floats and costumes.

"We were lucky with the weather considering Friday and Sunday and we got away without a drop of rain which was excellent," said Hazel Picknell-Stride, one of the event organisers.

Mrs Picknell-Stride said there were a few less floats than last year but the theme of War Broke Out 70 Years Ago was well received with models of Spitfires and tanks among the best efforts on show.

She said there was a performance from the band The Whoppers and The Academy, a stage school based in the village.

"We had local charity stalls, food outlets, and games and during last week we had a baby competition, pet competition and duck race," said Mrs Picknell -Stride.

"I'm really grateful to the people who helped on the day. There's only a handful of people who help keep the event going each year. Owen Martin and Roger Garrard deserve a mention."

• Two-year-old Harry Warren won the baby competition.

Zak Walker, with his old English sheepdog, Lucky, won the pet competition.

Simon Donnelly won the duck race.

Ashingdon won the carnival court competition.

Maldon won the court and float competition.

Best Junior Float went to the Brownies, Beavers and Guides.

Best senior float was won by Bruce Northrupp and he also won best parade entry.