Crowds of people lined Blackwood High Street on Saturday to watch the annual carnival parade.

Bunting decked the shops and many traders decorated their windows to add to the party atmosphere.

The parade was led by Blackwood Mayor Delwyn Davies and the Islwyn Assembly Member Brian Hancock, followed by carnival queen Michaela James, 13, pictured, who rode in an open top car.

Music and marching was provided by the Prince of Wales Band from Abercarn, the Cefn Fforest Jazz band, the Glyn Ebbw Harlequins and the Cascade Royals.

There were four floats ranging in themes from Snow White to Robin Hood and also numerous individual fancy dress entries.

The parade went from Cwm Gelli to the civic centre in Pontllanfraith where there was entertainment all afternoon including the Janet Stephens dancers, battle re-enactments and the Amanda Ellis street dancing.

There was also music from rock group M4 and the Ebbw Vale brass band.

The carnival was organised and sponsored by Blackwood town council.

The clerk, Ivor Palmer, said £100 was raised from street collections for the mayor's charity, the British Heart Foundation.

"It was very well attended and fortunately the rain held off until about 3.15 pm - though we could have done with another 45 minutes of dry weather."