PILL Carnival made a splash today as around 1,000 revellers armed with umbrellas and wellington boots braved the downpours to join in the fun.

The annual event, which this year was dedicated to the late councillor Ron Jones, saw hundreds of people lining the streets of Pill to see the colourful floats pass by.

Cllr Jones, a former Pill Carnival committee chairman, died in the early hours of the morning after last year's carnival.

A special dedication was part of the procession featuring a Welsh flag and photograph of Cllr Jones, exclaiming 'This one's for you Ron'.

Carnival committee chairman Ali Boksh, wearing a t-shirt in tribute to Cllr Jones, said: "It's a year to the day that Ron passed away. He worked so hard for the carnival.

"We've created a Ron Jones award for outstanding contribution to the community in his memory. Sheila Gill, a patron at the Irish Club, has been given the first award. She does charity work and collects money all year round."

This year's procession had a nautical theme to celebrate 100 years since the South Dock was opened in Newport.

Many of the floats were topped with pirates, boats and various sea creatures.

Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse also made an appearance to the delight of the many youngsters lining Pill's streets.

This year’s carnival queen, 16-year-old Kirsty O’Brien, sported an extra-large umbrella along with her attendant Mataya Tunney in a bid to keep dry.

The Royal Oak pub won first place for their steam boat float and dancers from Lao Dance won second prize for their Annie the musical float.

There were also fairground rides, go-karts, bouncy castles, slides and food stalls and stage acts on the playing fields at Pill Mill.

Mr Boksh added: "We had 11 floats that couldn't make it (due to the proposed anti-Nato peace camp at Pill which has now been moved elsewhere). People kind of got scared because they were going to be camping on the field.

"The parade participants are a credit to the whole of Pill. I'm so humbled that I'm from somewhere with such community spirit. We're all singing off the same hymn sheet.

"I just want to thank the Pill Carnival committee for putting this event on, they're such amazing people to plan this for a whole year. And thanks to the volunteers who came up in the rain to help steward the event."

A marquee was provided by Associated British Ports so that revellers could enjoy acts including Celestine from The Voice, James Morten, Jon Lillygreen and Bongo Pete come rain or shine.