ALL feet were firmly on the ground at the Knockholt Carnival, which was probably just as well as this year's theme was "down to earth".

The roads were closed and hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the colourful procession of floats meander through the village at noon.

HITTING THE HIGH SPOTS: Ladybird girl has a ball LD1707102_9
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth The marching band LD1707102_14
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth
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FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY: This lucky lady grew wings for the day LD1707102_18
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth Around the world in 80 days LD1707102_22
CATERPILLAR MAKES TRACKS: One day I'll be a butterfly too LD1707102_27
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth Bug in a Buggy LD1707102_40
ASK THEM TO TAKE US TO THEIR LEADER : Aliens plot next move in Earth conquest LD1707102_54
RUBBLE-FREE DAY: Fred, Wilma and Pebbles en route LD1707102_45
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth A sky diver just hannging around LD1707102_60
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth
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CLEARED FOR TAKE-OFF: A plane taxis along in the procession LD1707102_62
Knockholt carnival parade, with the theme Down to Earth Darleks invade LD1707102_46

And the quality was as high as ever.

The Flintstones with a giant Dino dinosaur, and an imaginative aeroplane scene, complete with unlucky parachutist and coffin, were two of the strongest entries.

But the prize for best in show went to The Main Road Gang's morris dancing Daleks.

The carnival has been going since the 1950s, and many in the village claim it is the biggest event of its kind in the South East.

The biennial event has gone from strength to strength, but this year carnival committee chairman Chris North wanted to return to basics.

"What a lovely day and a fantastic turnout," he said.

"Everyone's smiling and the kids are having a laugh.

"It's a great family social event," he added.

"We wanted to get it back to the old days and decided not to charge entry. It's really worked."

Most of this year's takings will be distributed among Knockholt's groups and societies, but the carnival is a loyal supporter of Kent Air Ambulance and will be giving it a 20 per cent donation.

Having spent two years working on the carnival, Mr North and the rest of the committee are now standing down.

They are looking for a new generation to step up to the plate and organise the event in two years' time.

Can you help? Visit www.knockholtcarnival.org to find out more.

See www.thisiskent.co.uk/sevenoaks for more pictures.