MORETONHAMPSTEAD'S 88th carnival procession attracted 46 entries and was one of the best for several years.

Tim Hills, chairman of the carnival committee, said the fine weather obviously played its part, but he was delighted by the high number of local entries and the excellent atmosphere.

The carnival day events on Thursday last week kicked off with charity and market stalls in The Square, a furry dance from the cottage hospital to The Sentry and the crowning of the Moretonhampstead fairy queen, Ruby Mullety-Richman.