CROWDS poured into Weymouth as sunshine burst through the rain for a bumper procession and a host of attractions on carnival day.

Organisers today hailed the extravaganza as a great success despite the cancellation of a parachute display and rearranged beach assault because of weather conditions.

Paul Parker from Weymouth and District Round Table said: "It was an absolutely brilliant day. The weather gave us a few heart-stopping moments and we didn't think we would recover from the downpours.

"People disappeared during the rain but made sure they came back again."

Organisers estimated that up to 250,000 people poured into town for the 47th annual event for a fun-packed programme of events during the resort's biggest day of the year.

Lauren Browne was celebrating after being crowned carnival queen and led the procession with attendants Narriman Eckstein and Jo Pattison.

The crack Red Arrows aerobatics display team wowed the crowds with daredevil stunts over the seafront and the Esplanade was packed to bursting point when crowds lined up to watch the procession.

Police arrested eight people for public order offences in the evening, including minor assaults, criminal damage and drunk and disorderly.

Inspector Paul Gillott, of Weymouth Police, said: "That's very few arrests considering the amount of people there. It was probably less than on a normal Friday or Saturday night."

Beach control and Dorset Ambulance Service said there were no problems or serious injuries throughout the day.

British Transport Police were out in force at Weymouth Station to keep public order and but no incidents were reported. Locals and holidaymakers enjoyed flying displays from a Harrier fighter and the Utterly Butterly wingwalkers who swept into the resort on vintage bi-planes.

Other highlights included the children's sandcastle competition, an air sea rescue, ladies space hopper race, car pull contest and children's fun run before the grand procession and an explosive finish with a fireworks display and draw.

Some rain fell mid-morning and crowds had to run for cover during a deluge at 1.30pm, but sunshine and clear skies burst through the clouds for most of the day.

And, rain or shine, carnival-goers joined in the fun - including a limbo dance contest that was moved inside because of the weather.

A parachute display was cancelled because of winds and the morning beach assault was postponed until the afternoon when RAF crews gave a display of unarmed combat.

But the weather failed to dampen spirits and organisers hailed the day as an outstanding success with lots of money raised for charity.

Coun Lynne Herbert, mayor of Weymouth and Portland, said: "People were packed along the front.

"It is the best day of the year for Weymouth, whether you are on a float and taking part or watching. It is the one day when the whole borough gets together."

The carnival committee, beach control staff, stewards and an army of volunteers were on duty from early in the morning to make sure the day went without a hitch and were there late last night to clear up.

The top prize in the raffle, a Peugeot 206, was won by J Worrall of Chelmsford St, Weymouth.