BATON twirlers, pirates and leprechauns took to the streets of Beccles yesterday as the town's carnival procession got under way.Crowds of people lined the streets to enjoy the colourful floats and carnival atmosphere as the parade weaved its way through the town.

BATON twirlers, pirates and leprechauns took to the streets of Beccles yesterday as the town's carnival procession got under way.

Crowds of people lined the streets to enjoy the colourful floats and carnival atmosphere as the parade weaved its way through the town.

Children and adults in a variety of costumes took part in this year's procession which made its way from Rainbow car park to the quay headed by Beccles carnival queen Destiny Hoffman, 24, and carnival princesses Stephanie Tsang, 11, and Rose Rendle, 10.

The carnival kicked off on Saturday with the Beccles baby competition and the annual teddy bears' parade and a family fun afternoon at the quay.

Along with yesterday's carnival parade there was another day of fun at the quay with a static rally of steam engines, classic and vintage cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, stalls and displays.

Yvette Tackley, secretary of Beccles Carnival Committee, said 42 floats took part in the procession with Graham Rudd and his grandchildren winning the trophy for best float with their Wizard of Oz costumes.

“We would like to thank everyone for coming along,” she said. “If it were not for the crowds and everyone that comes to support us the carnival would not go ahead. So many other towns are losing their carnivals, but we are doing really well. We have had more floats this year than in such a long time and the weather has been lovely.”