ASHBURTON Carnival Week came to a colourful conclusion as its procession brought colour and humour to Ashburton's streets.

No fewer than seven carnival queens graced the event with their entourages, representing Newton Abbot, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torbay, Ipplepen, Totnes as well as Ashburton's own royalty.

Royalty of a different kind were depicted by the Gatecrashers, with their spoof on the royal wedding. Have-a-go townspeople dressed up as pots of jam, strawberries, flowers, wore balloons, depicted fairies and fairy tale characters.

The best carnival float from Ipplepen chose a wild west theme with their Western Express float, complete with a model steam train and cowcatcher.

But despite the smiles, numbers of both entrants and audience was down, according to carnival treasurer Michael Billington.

'It's unfortunate that it clashes with the second week of Wimbledon. When Murray does well, we don't,' he joked.

He said the number of floats was 'woeful' but was luckily made up by the number of walking entries.

'Some people find it expensive to get a vehicle, insure it and then decorate it. Parents are more inclined to decorate their child.'

Despite the dip in numbers, takings were buoyant with more than £800 collected on the street.

Other events, such as the fun run, saw an increase in entries.

Overall, Mr Billington said that the carnival is in good heart but the final figures have still to come through.