HUNDREDS of children braved a torrential downpour and enjoyed a parade in the heart of Winchester.

The parade which is part of the Winchester Hat Fair, which kicked off this morning, started at Abbey Gardens.

Parents and shoppers watched on as the parade led by "Willy Wonka" on stilts saw the centre of Winchester come to a standstill.

Hundreds of people watched on as it went up The Broadway, through the High Street and ended at Cathedral Outer Close.

Children from schools across the Winchester district including, Osborne School, Weeke Primary, Western Primary, Winnall Primary, St Faith's Primary, John Keble Primary, St Bede's, The Westgate School and Harestock Primary School all took part.

The theme for the parade this year is Roald Dahl, and children created banners inspired by his stories.

Particularly enthusiastic were children Western Primary who screamed the school's name throughout.

Parent helper at John Keble Primary School in Hursley, Mrs Caroline Meech said: "I think they have really enjoyed it despite the weather, they have had a brilliant time and they were full of enthusiasm and could not wait to for it to start."