Organisers of the annual Titchfield Carnival have hailed this year's event as a great success.

The first procession of 18 floats kicked off at 3pm yesterday and was opened by disabled sailor Geoff Holt and the mayor of Fareham Councillor Brian Bayford.

The second torchlit procession took place in the village at 6pm.

Mark Hussey, chairman of the Titchfield Bonfire Boys, which organises the event in The Square every year, said: 'It was a great success.

'The opening ceremony was fantastic.

'We had a sunny year last year so we were quite convinced we would be standing in the rain this year.

'But we couldn't have wished for anything better this year.

'There are so few things that the grandparents and the parents and the children can do together.

'It's a real community event.

'It's hugely important. So few villages and towns now have their own identity.

'The carnival really does that for Titchfield.

'It's a small village which is well known for its carnival. It brings families together.

'It's the whole tradition. People look forward to it as it's a community event.'

There were various stalls with food and drink on sale and a band performed as the carnival kicked off.

Money was raised for the Titchfield Bonfire Boys who also organise other events to help the community throughout the year such as lunches for the elderly and events for the Rainbow Centre in Fareham.

'It's nice because the people who contribute to the carnival get it back in their own way,' added Mark.