TORRENTIAL rain relented just in time for today's Ilminster Children's Carnival.

The procession, which led off from Ile Youth Centre at 2pm, had looked likely be a soggy affair when the heavens opened this morning.

But by 1pm, when Emma Bambury was crowned carnival princess by her 2004 predecessor Kirsty Webber, the rain had cleared.

Organiser Jerry Mitchell said: "We've been very fortunate. The prospects did not look good this morning but the sun has shone on us."

Mr Mitchell praised the standard of entries but called for more children to enter the group categories next year.

The overall carnival winner was 11-year-old Shannon Sims, from Ilminster, as Queen of the Board.

RESULTS Class 1: Norman Bellew Trophy (decorated non-motorised vehicle) - 1 The Golden Magician, Kieran Wood; 2 Doctor Who, Corey and Jaden Edwards; 3 Noah's Ark, Dylan and Teagan Oriel-Burley; 4 Noddy in his Car, Robbie Goetz. Class 2: Ilminster Carnival Cup (group three to six) - 1 The Beatles, Corey Banks, Ethan and Kayden Glanville, Caitlin and Tierney Crocker. Class 3: Ilminster Carnival Cup (group seven or more) - no entries. Class 4: Chrissy Male Trophy (individual girl or boy aged two to seven) - 1 Cosmic Chaos, Hannah Wood; 2 The Buttercup and Flower Fairy, Emily Lancaster; 3 A Beefeater, Thomas Lancaster, 4 Cyberman, Xavier Driver. Class 5: Halfway Cup (individual girl or boy aged eight to 15) - 1 Queen of the Board, Shannon Sims; 2 Belle of the Ball, Patricia Male. Class 6: Top Knots Trophy (couple on foot aged up to 15) - 1 Cinderella and Prince Charming, Rachel and Abigail Locke; 2 Strictly Come Dancing, Katy Watson and Emma Harris; 3 Samba Tots, Megan Norman and Jessica Dawe; 4 Flamenco, Bethan and Sarah Allen. Chard and Ilminster News Trophy (originality) - The Buttercup and Flower Fairy. Tony Goverd Cup (spirit of carnival) - The Beatles. The Barbara Lee Cup (best overall individual costume) - Queen of the Board. Chard and Ilminster News Trophy (best overall) - Queen of the Board.