Star Wars Stormtroopers and Doctor Who Daleks invaded Shenley Road on Saturday during the stunning Elstree and Borehamwood Festival Parade.

Organiser Paul Welsh, from the town council, said the parade was one of the best yet, with more entries, more people and a terrific atmosphere.

"There were quite a lot of people watching, especially in Shenley Road.

"We had a steel band playing in the morning before the parade came through, to let people know something was about to happen, and we were very lucky that it was a nice bright day."

The Stormtroopers and Daleks, making a rare appearance together, were sent into the parade on a float by Weird and Wonderful, which brought a bit of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings.

But there was disappointment for the Hare Krishnas, who had worked hard to put together a terrific float featuring a large inflatable model.

Leaving Brook Road car park it got a puncture, and devotees from Bhaktivedanta Manor had to pull out of the parade. Overall the parade was a great success, and spoon-player Tom Costello, who has been involved in the festival for 23 years as part of the senior citizens' act The Spice of Life, said this year's was a definite improvement on last year.

"It was much better, the parade was longer and there was more activity."

After the parade the entries were judged by Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Peter Hedges.

First prize for the best general float going to an entry from Holmes Place, and second place going to the Royal British Legion's Borehamwood branch.

The best young person's float was from K's School of Dance, which trains at Maxwell Park Youth and Community Centre, and the runners up place went to Elstree and Borehamwood Christian Council.

Diane Parks Ballet School and Lynn's Musik shared first prize for the best walking float, and second place went to the Red Cross.

The prize for the best overall float went to K's School of Dance.

Music for the parade had a Scottish flavour provided by The Dagenham Girl Pipers and The Harpenden Pipes and Drums.

The parade, led by the Elstree & Borehamwood Air Training Corps Band, left Brook Road car park early in the afternoon, then went through a packed Shenley Road, up Theobald Street, past Aycliffe Road and Leeming Road, and then back to the car park.

Mr Hedges said he had enjoyed leading the parade, and added: "It was really nice to see people out enjoying themselves, and supporting the community."