CANVEY’S streets were awash with colour as the carnival came to town.

From First WorldWar commemorations to Alice in Wonderland, the 30 entrants put on a spectacular parade.

This year’s carnival, held since 1926, included a festival with live bands, stalls, a bouncy castle and even a dog show.

The Rotary Club of Canvey won first prize for its commemoration of the start of the Great War, dressing up in Home Guard uniforms.

Zoe Watson, chairman of the carnival organising committee, said: “They looked great, dressed up like Dad’s Army.

“The whole parade went really well. We were a little worried about low crowd numbers, but there were so many people and it was a great crowd.”

All the money raised goes to local charities, with 25 per cent going to the Friends of Concord Beach and National Coastwatch’s Hole Haven branch, and the remaining 50 per cent spread between charities on the island.

Ms Watson said: “It is nice to keep the money local as people turn out in force to support the carnival. It is a really social day for the local community and it was a great atmosphere.”

Barry Palmer, an independent councillor, finished runner- up in the adult fancy dress category. He said: “It was a really good day and great to win a prize.

“Me and the little group I was with, dressed up as Alice in Wonderland and I was the Queen of Hearts.

“It’s a celebration for the whole town.

“We all group together and help each other out and there very some very good costumes on show this year.”

  • For more carnival photos make sure to pick up a copy of today's Echo