DROVES of people defied the unseasonal weather to turn out to make this year's Risca carnival a success.

Hundreds lined Commercial Street in Risca as the final day of the carnival week began with an impressive float parade.

Eleven floats trundled through Risca - a marked improvement on the number taking part last year.

Scores of families sheltered under umbrellas to clap and cheer the float procession which was headed by the Prince of Wales marching band.

Gareth Orchard, 37, of North Road, Cwmcarn, turned up to watch his daughters Alexandra, 10, and Victoria, eight, appear on the Brownies and Girl Guides float.

He said: "All the floats were excellent but is just a pity about the weather - the event is planned all year round and it's such a shame when it rains on the day."

Among the floats featured in the parade were Dan-Y-Graig Sunday school depicting a scene from Noah's Ark and a colourful Hawaiian beach party float courtesy of the Risca day hospital which was a total contrast to the day's poor weather.

Perhaps the biggest cheer was reserved for Risca Top Club's Roaring Twenties scene complete with gambling tables and women in dresses of the era.

The parade continued through Commercial Street up to Grove Road and then came back down St Mary Street before stopping in Risca Park.

After the parade, carnival-goers were treated to a lively fete featuring the Red Dragon FM Roadshow, bungee jumping, a bucking bronco, and children's rides.

Later in the evening, a music festival was held featuring Queen tribute band, A Night At the Opera, and Eagles tribute band Talon.

Throughout the week the town hosted various events, such as the Risca Male Voice Choir performing at the rugby club the previous night, to mark a week of carnival festivities.

Ivor Stafford, 84, from Trafalgar Street, Risca,said the carnival "is just brilliant for the town".

* In the picture: Carnival queen Stacey Larcombe