Bridport’S carnival spirit shone through beneath the damp grey skies during Saturday’s big parade.

Hundreds lined the streets to cheer on a dazzling display of floats and walking entries despite the threat of heavy rain.

Led by the Wessex Military and Dorchester Carnival bands, organisers were delighted with the turnout – some 40 entries – one of the largest in recent years.

And Mayor Geoff Ackerman praised the revellers for coming out in such large numbers despite the weather.

Early downpours meant some of the tableaux had to be hurriedly repaired after suffering water damage – including the Bridport Scouts’ Dr Who entry, which was left with two soggy Daleks and a waterlogged police box.

Group Scout Leader Stephen Thompson said: “We had to make some quick changes and repairs to cope with the rain damage but we got there in the end – it is all about the Bridport carnival spirit.”

Heading up the floats was the royal party with Princess Lucy Paull, 14, attendants Jade Coombs and Hannah Rist, carnival prince Zack Chantler and junior carnival princess Imogen Gordon.

The Mayor, who followed in his car accompanied by his escort – district council vice-chairman Gillian Summers – chose Bridport twinning association for his special award. Their ‘Blessing of the Sea’ float was decked with paper flowers brought home from St Vaast La Hougue by members after their recent trip to see the French town’s famous 10-yearly boat blessing ceremony.

Among other notable local floats in the parade were Sunny Days Nursery with “Gruffalo”; Bridport Hospital’s NHS – Harry Potter’s Naughty Hogwarts Students; Bridport Gig Rowing Club’s Bucky Doo training boat; 1st Bridport Brownies centenary float; Grinter family’s Ghostbusters; Brit Valley Rotary Club’s Air Ambulance helicopter; Bridport Round Table’s BA Team; Loders Youth Club Circus float; Bridport Friends and Family Chess Set; St Catherine’s Pre School with Ladybird Ladybird; Groves Nursery with children's nursery; Washingpool Farm’s Onion Johnnys; Bridport TLC Fisherman’s Friends; and Bridport Bandits car racing club.