THE streets of Winton were full of colourful costumes and creative floats for its annual carnival.

Thousands of people lined the streets in scorching temperatures to watch the lively procession, which featured local schools, community groups and businesses.

Youngsters from Winton Primary School impressed with their Flintstones-themed attire and dance routine, picking up the prize for Best in Parade.

And leading the procession in a Rolls Royce was 92-year-old carnival queen Sheila Sandison. She was nominated for the title by the team at Bluebird Care Bournemouth.

They described Sheila as "one of the most inspiring, well mannered, funny, and lovely people" they have ever met.

Speaking before the parade, Sheila said she was "excited" to be taking part.

"It still hasn't sunk in, I'm amazed," she said.

Jo Kelleher, manager of Bluebird Care Bournemouth, said: "We nominated Sheila because she is always smiling and always up for a laugh. She's involved in a lot of the activities we run."

Poole town crier David Squire cut the ribbon to mark the start of the parade, which made its way through Winton before coming to a stop at the recreation ground. There, people enjoyed a funfair, attractions and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Students from Bournemouth University also helped organise some activities.

Among those taking part in the procession were three primary schools, a number of dance groups, Salvation Army Winton band, and Kinson Community Centre. Hot Radio blasted out tunes from the top of a double decker Yellow Buses bus.

Michelle Carroll, committee chair of Winton Carnival, said it had been the "best parade ever". "It's been amazing how many people have been here and in the parade, putting up with the very hot temperatures," she said.

"This year, the parade came up from different roads at the top, and people went to town on their floats. We had 22 entrants in total.

"Winton Primary School had some amazing costumes, and they won Best in Parade." Michelle praised all the volunteers who helped make the carnival a success.

"If it weren't for the 30 volunteers out on the roads, we wouldn't be able to do this. They had to endure a lot of heat," she said. "The fact we had a carnival queen who is 92 is fantastic. We asked for local nominations, and it would be lovely to see more people like that next year," she added.