IN the weeks leading up to Bridgwater's carnival celebrations, schools took part in a variety of competitions which this year were linked to the theme of 'World Space Week'.

There were a large number of entries and the panel of judges had a very difficult task in selecting the winners.

Sarah Humphrey, the Carnival’s schools projects officer, said she was delighted with the response from the schools.

“We had an incredible number of small masks and model carts entered this year and the quality of the artwork and painting on the large masks was absolutely amazing.

"I would like to thank the schools for taking part and also our sponsors, Autodesk, for their tremendous support."

After being on display in 24 retail outlets around town, the large masks have now found a resting place in the EDF Centre in Angel Place where they can be viewed by the public until mid-December, along with some of the entries in the models carts and small masks competition.

The winners of the large carnival mask competition were 1st Little Crickets Nursery, 2nd, St Mary's Primary School, joint 3rd, Nether Stowey Primary School and Elmwood School.

North Newton trio Sophie, Cassia and Summer-Rose picked up the prizes in the small masks contest, while George from St Joseph's Primary School won best model carnival cart.