HUNDREDS of children paraded through Amersham as spirits at the 40th annual carnival were boosted by a heatwave.

Enthusiastic nursery and school children brought rhythm and colour to the town yesterday afternoon – all pitching in for the musical theme.

They were led by town crier Mark Jones with the three carnival princesses riding in a car behind with deputy mayor Michael Andrews-Reading.

Emily Drew, along with Little Chalfont Primary School pupils Grace Patrick, six, and Lia Starodub, ten, were this year's lucky girls.

A little further back in the procession were 30 boy scouts with huge coifs and sideburns. The 1st Chesham Bois Scout Group donned Elvis wigs and jump suits, while jiving around a paper mache pink Cadillac – which won the prize for best float.

Scout leader Andy Honour said: “We were working on the Cadillac for about four weeks and we've got a nice trophy for winning.

“But it was all about entertaining the crowd and making people smile and the boys loved it.”

The parade ended in King George V field where there were 60 different stalls and rides – the highest ever number, according to the organisers.

The event is put on by Amersham Round Table, which will distribute the proceeds to various local charities.

Paul Gardner, the carnival committee chairman, said he was hopeful of raising in the region of £5,000 from the event.

He added: “Three have been rained out in recent years so it's great to have some nice weather. We had more rides for older children this year so hopefully they stayed on the field and enjoyed them.”

Deputy mayor Michael Andrews-Reading said: “We've been jolly lucky with this sun - the carnival is growing so it's good to see it on the up.”