PIRATES, hot-air balloon pilots and a human steam train were just some of the characters who came together for this year’s Netley Marsh carnival.

The annual event attracted dozens of families as the procession travelled a mile through the village from Woodlands before ending with a fair at St Matthew’s Church hall.

Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts were joined by school pupils, parents and businesses to make up the 13 entries in the carnival.

The procession literally stopped traffic as the floats crossed the busy A336 Ringwood Road to reach the church hall.

Carnival organiser, Ian Simms, said that they were hoping to raise £2,000 for both Netley Marsh Scouts and Guides as well as St Matthew’s Church through collections during the day.