The 2009 Dawlish Carnival has been hailed a great success and a fitting tribute to Brian Heath, the town's Mr Carnival who died earlier this year and who did so much to raise its status.

Good weather and plenty of visitors kept the party atmosphere bubbling along, the Lawn playing host to countless events and attractions.

Across town, shops boasted decorated windows, pubs and cafes enjoyed bumper trade.

A highlight of the week's festivities was the combined fly past by the Red Arrows and the Avro Vulcan bomber, fresh from its £8 million restoration and the only flying example anywhere in the world.

As the jets roared above, tens of thousands of people gathered at every possible vantage point along the coast, it was announced that the display, the first of its type for almost two decades, was in Brian's honour, he being the man who first brought the Red Arrows to Dawlish.

The crowds appreciated the gesture, breaking into spontaneous applause.

Friday's procession also attracted huge crowds, appreciative of the effort and creativity behind the many floats which followed the two-and-a-half mile route around town.

Paying tribute to the carnival committee, mayor Cllr Geoff Wills said: 'On behalf of the council, myself and my family and all of Dawlish I'd like to thank the committee for how they've got on this year and produced the carnival, following the sad loss of Brian Heath.

'It's been absolutely fantastic. I've never been involved in carnival so much, my feet are aching but we've all had a brilliant time.'