NOTHING could dampen the spirits at the Liphook Carnival - not even torrential rain and a hailstorm, which hit the village on Saturday afternoon.

The final preparations, for what turned out to be a truly spectacular night for the village, were under way when the heavens opened.

The rain nearly put an end to one of the floats due to take part in the evening's processions.

Carnival regulars The Likely Lads with their 'Last Night at the Proms' theme faced a black out when all fuses blew during the unscheduled storm – leaving them without lights or music.

Three weeks of dedicated preparations, making instruments out of plywood and dressing up in glamorous costumes were nearly wiped out – but in true Carnival spirit they rallied around, replacements were found at the 11th hour and they arrived just in time to join the procession – coming second in the adult float category.

For full story, more great pictures and full results from the carnival, see this week's Liphook Herald.