The community was out in force to support Ashburton's colourful carnival week.

Competitions, quiz nights, displays and the procession all centred around a rainbow theme.

Shops in the town made an effort in the window display contest.

'We had 14 entries in the competition,' said Karen Turner, of the carnival committee.

'It was judged by Jeanne Distin, the portreeve; Katrina Adams, carnival queen; William Shapley, bailiff and mayor Cllr Peter Brewer.

'We gave many stores a starter pack, containing balloon and streamers, to help them along and get them into the spirit of things.'

The winner was Ashburton Florist. In second place was Pedrick Hairdressers and Gifts and Gallery came third.

Pubs around the town also entered into a fun darts contest at the town hall on Tuesday.

'Rounds were held in pubs in the lead up to the final,' said Mrs Turner.

'It was a really good night.'

Organisations and groups around the town also tested their knowledge in a quiz at Ashburton Town Hall on Wednesday night.

'It was mainly general knowledge questions but the portreeve also added a round based on colours to continue our rainbow theme,' said Mrs Turner.

'The winners of the quiz were the Conservative Club.'

During the action-packed week, runners were out in force to support the carnival fun run and watch a chip pan fire demonstration organised by town firefighters.

The main event, the procession was also a great success.

Original and fun entries wowed the spectators.

'We had a fantastic turn out for the procession and the street collection raised £750 for local causes,' said Mrs Distin. 'At one stage there were so many people on the route that one of the walking entries couldn't even get through the crowds.

'This year we were blessed with such beautiful weather.

'We are also extremely grateful to everyone who took part as you could see all entries made such an effort.'