CROWDS packed into Wantage Market Place as the town revived its carnival after a 25-year hiatus.

Local charity champion Ray Collins organised the event to boost town pride and raise money for local charities and community groups.

Mr Collins walked 50 miles from Winchester – where Wantage’s most famous son, King Alfred is buried – to kickstart the event.

He said: “It was brilliant. Everybody really enjoyed it, and everyone said ‘why can’t we do this every year?’”

Four-year-old Joshuah Rusher got into the spirit by dressing as King Alfred.

He said: “It was fun, I got to put glitter and gems on things, and go on the helter skelter.”

Joshuah’s mum Donna Wheeler, 34, from East Challow, was running a fancy dress stall for children.

Miss Wheeler, 34, said: “The whole idea was brilliant, we should have it every year.”