COLOUR, music and laughter lit up the streets of Topsham as the annual town fayre carnival procession brought the week of celebrations and fun to a close.

COLOUR, music and laughter lit up the streets of Topsham as the annual town fayre carnival procession brought the week of celebrations and fun to a close.

This year's carnival-goers dug extra deep and raised the most money ever collected at the procession.

Thousands of revellers flocked to Topsham on Saturday evening to drink in every last drop of fun and entertainment.

The town had been alive with visitors throughout the week, keen to take part in this year's lively programme of events and activities.

Many visitors arranged their holidays to coincide with the week of activity.

Organiser Kevin Hack said he was looking forward to having a rest now the fun had finished for another year.

He said: "It was very successful and the week was very well attended.

"We had a record collection from our carnival procession, raising �2,000, so we are very pleased all round."

The popular coin trail, by the town's Brownie pack, and St Margaret's Church flower festival, were just a taste of the entertainment, which drew in the crowds.

The town was closed to traffic for several hours on Saturday as former mayor, Mary Evans, herded a flock sheep down the main street - exercising her right as an alderman.

Journal reporters David Beasley and Becca Gliddon had the difficult task of judging the town's window competition.

This year's theme was song titles - with the Estuary League of Friends winning the Journal cup for its double-window Teddy Bears' Picnic display.

Second place went to Hospiscare and third position was awarded to The Devon Air Ambulance book and furniture shop, for its interpretation of the Weather Girls' song, It's Raining Men.