CARNIVAL princesses braved Monday s torrential downpours, swapping their open top carnival float for an £80,000 truck to make sure the show could go on. The truck was borrowed from Cambridge-based Marshalls for the three girls who joined brave visitors at

CARNIVAL princesses braved Monday's torrential downpours, swapping their open top carnival float for an £80,000 truck to make sure the show could go on.

The truck was borrowed from Cambridge-based Marshalls for the three girls who joined brave visitors at the 54th Soham Carnival.

Seven floats took part in the parade through the centre of the town including those with the theme of Dr Who, Disney and Any Dream Will Do.

But the appalling weather prevented them from taking their traditional places on the recreation field.

Richard Spendlove from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and Dan Schumann judged the floats in Gardiner's Lane, just outside the show ground. They decided that due to the awful conditions the prize money should be divided equally amongst the entries, who each received £50.

Colin Fordham, chairman of the carnival committee, said "Our hats go off the people who took part, the children all had wonderful smiles on their faces despite being so cold.

"Richard Spendlove has attended the Soham Carnival for the last 19 years and always gives us his time for free.

"We had thought about cancelling it earlier in the day, but knew that the horses were already on the way. The organiser, Kim Botting, and his family were marvellous and despite the rain and cold he kept smiling through in traditional British fashion.

"I would also like to thank Marshalls and vice-chairman Tim King, who at the last minute was able to use his persuasive charm to borrow a wonderful £80,000 truck to carry the carnival princesses in style instead of the usual open topped vehicle.

"I am not sure if we made any money, but we did take over £100 in the Pavilion selling tea and cakes donated by Jonathan James from Budgen's."

The popular heavy horse show did take place in the morning and whilst entries appeared lower than usual all the horses that took part were beautifully turned out.