SEA creatures were washed up in a Test Valley village at the weekend- albeit in a fantasy world.

These mermaids, squids, sharks, sea urchins and other ocean life were the creations of revellers at Lockerley and East Dean Carnival Fete near Romsey.

Saturday’s eye-catching parade in warm sunshine had the theme Under the Sea and organiser Lisa Shaw hailed the procession a huge success.

“We had more floats and other entries this year. There was a lot more competition this time and some very good entries,” said Mrs Shaw, who added that starting the procession from Butt’s Green instead of Lockerley Green and holding the fete at the Glebe Field made a big difference to the turnout.

Former Saints boss Lawrie McMenemy opened the fete and his wife Annie presented prize money to the carnival parade winners.

Welcoming fete-goers Mr McMenemy who was wearing a suit said: “I feel a bit overdressed coming from where I do in Gateshead. We don’t get weather like this there. I’ve never been to Lockerley Fete before, but I will say it’s a magnificent show and any money raised today stays in the village and that is very important.” Acorn Community Pre-School scooped the top float award with its striking giant octopus named Ollie with its legs dangling over the back of the tractor-drawn exhibit which also included a shipwreck, giant anchor and colourful fish decorated by the children who were dressed in mermaid, shark and diving outfits and swimming gear.

 See a full report and more pictures in this Friday's edition.