CROWDS of people lined Blackwood High Street to see the annual carnival parade.

The long procession was led by carnival queen Nicola Burley, 15, from Pontllanfraith, and she was followed by numerous floats and bands.

Blackwood Cancercareline dressed up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves on their float, while Cinderella was the theme for Pontllanfraith Health Centre.

Asda had a pretty-in-pink float, for Breast Cancer Care, and the Sticky Fingers nursery in Cwmfelinfach followed a farm theme.

And Rotary, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, began the festive season early with their Christmas sleigh.

The Cascade Royales and the Bluebirds were among those providing the music and dancing - and many individuals also took part in fancy dress costumes, from stories like the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. The First Blackwood Boys Brigade were all dressed on a Thunderbirds theme.

A cavalcade of dozens of motorbikes - many of their riders and passengers in masks and firing water pistols at the crowds - brought up the rear.

The parade ended in the grounds of the Pontllanfraith council offices, where there was a variety of craft stalls for the first time.

There was also a funfair, a bouncy castle, falconry displays, and bee-hive exhibitions among other attractions. Ivor Palmer, secretary of Blackwood town council - the main sponsor of the carnival - said: "It was an excellent day altogether .

"The weather was fine and the crowds were the best ever.

"I think people particularly enjoyed the country fair element, which included a sheepdog display."