Crowds lined the town's streets as the carnival parade made its way to the sun-baked site at St Nicholas Park - and samba band Batteria Acid had people dancing in the street when the parade paused.

The event was the most successful in recent years, with more floats, more tug of war teams, and above all a record amount raised for good causes in Warwick.

Nicky Brown of Cliff Way was visiting the carnival with her daughter Jessie, six, and neice Lydia, seven. Mrs Brown said: "We came last year and it was a washout. It is much nicer this year.

"The weather makes all the difference and it's nice to go somewhere where you can spend the day watching things."

Attractions included comedy trampoline artists, a performance from Warwick Girls Marching Band and a falconry display - in which one clumsy eagle owl collided with a spectator.

Margery Jones and Joy Coop took part in the parade as Cpl Jones and Pte Pike from Dad's Army. Mrs Jones said: "It is very good. Everybody's made a great effort."

The carnival impressed Mick and Pauline Ratley who were visiting with their grandchildren 18-month-old Isla, Abigail, three, and Charlotte, two.

Mrs Ratley said: "This is the first time we've been. It is like a proper old traditional fair."

Warwick mayor Coun Anne Mellor said: "The crowds are phenomenal. This is much better than in previous years and the weather is an added bonus.

"It is good for Warwick, it is especially good for the Lions and it is good for all the charities that will benefit."

Organiser Jon Dodd believes this year's event has raised almost £7,000, more than double last year's total. He thanked all the event's sponsors and promised an even better day next year.

He said: "I have never seen the carnival in Warwick so big and so lively as it was on Saturday.

"Overall it was a good day out. We are going to build on what we have done for next year."

Competition results:

- Under 12 five-a-side football tournament: winners Woodloes Juniors B team; runners up - Woodloes Juniors A team.

- Player of the Tournament: Josh Tiff from the Woodloes Juniors A team.

- Pub tug-of-war competition: winners The Vine pub team A; runners up - Park Tavern Team B.

- Best Float: Warwick Hospital (Hospital Dramas Theme); runner up 3rd Warwick Beavers (Deal or no Deal).

- Best Walking Party: Warwick's Wanderers (Dad's Army); runners up Emscote Infants School cheerleaders.

- Best In Show: Warwick Hospital.

- Lions Loyalty Trophy (awarded by Warwick Lions): Warwick Air Training Corps.