High spirits and colourful costumes helped brighten a grey day in Bettws when the carnival rolled through the streets.

Only five people organise the yearly event. Some bystanders declared the 2005 carnival was one of the best.

Crowds lined the streets to watch the eight floats and walkers parade through the streets from Bettws Shopping Centre to the fields at the comprehensive school.

Judges Rosemary Butler AM, deputy mayor Roger Jeavons and deputy mayoress Sandra Jeavons awarded prizes to the top floats.

The South Wales Argus trophy for the best presentation went to Real Bettws AFC for the King and I.

Carolinas Line Dancers were named the most colourful for their South Pacific float and Bettws in Bloom while St David Lewis youth were given the award for most humorous with The Samba Band.

"Hippie" Jodie Iles won the best adult walker prize while Cane Harvey was best child walker in his Robin Hood costume.

St David Lewis School won the trophy for the best float overall with Grease.

Other local organisations were also involved including Millbrook Youth Club with their magical Aladdin Float, and Bettws RFC whose Hell's Angels raised many a smile.

Arts development worker Granville John said children from Millbrook, Monnow and St David's youth groups had been working since Easter to get ready for the carnival. "They made a lot of collage work."

Bucket collections were made along the route in aid of Noah's Ark, Sparkle and the Glencourt Home for the Elderly.

It was a great success but the organising committee could do with more help for future events.