The village centre came to life with street theatre, musicians, maypole and garland dancers, welly-wangers, hedgehog rollers, the fun run, clowns and Ashover's own Town Crier, John Taylor.

More than 30 village organisations and local charities lined the streets with stalls, art club members staged a special display of portraits featuring local personalities and organist Ron Meades gave a recital in church at lunchtime.

The highlight of the day was the carnival procession led by Ashover Brass Band which included the crowning of the May Queen and May King by local dignitaries John and Mary Wardle.

The May Day carnival is organised by volunteers from All Saints Church who have strong support from the local authorities, children from the village school, locals and well-wishers.

Co-ordinater Rosemary Early, said they had record numbers of visitors to the event.

She added: "People could hardly move down the street and we were very fortunate with the weather.

"It's a very popular event because, unlike many carnivals of its kind, ours is not all about making lots of money for commercial concerns.

"It's intended to be an old-fashioned celebration with the emphasis on people having fun and for charitable and deserving causes to raise a bit of cash to further their work."