The annual Dunmow Carnival, in Saturday’s sunshine was possibly the best attended ever, the organisers said – and one of the most fun.

The procession should have been led by a vintage Rolls Royce containing the Mayor and Mayoress of Dunmow, Councillor Barrie Easter and his wife, Margaret. But half-way round, having left the recreation ground and driven through the town, the car broke down and the couple had to be rescued by the fire service.

The firefighters tried to push the Rolls at first but eventually, the couple had to leave the car and climb into the fire engine to continue.

Cllr Easter, a former leading fireman, said: “It was an extremely hot day and there was no air, the car is 60 years old and it over-heated. It caused a laugh.”

He said: “I’ve never seen so many people in all my life. The recreation ground was packed. In the evening, you couldn’t move, the whole area was solid with people. I would like to thank everyone who took part and all the volunteers. Everything was cleared up by 10.15am on Sunday morning.”

The theme for the procession was capital cities and Dunmow Round Table won with Rio, including the figure of Christ the Redeemer, the giant statue overlooking the capital of Brazil. Granary Dance Studio won the commercial category with its float based on London. Best youth group float was Honolulu, Hawaii, by the Marcelle School of Dancing.

Best walking group was Essex Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums from Chelmsford and the best youth walking group was Braintree BMX Club. The cup for the best visiting carnival court went to Burnham on Crouch. Money collected in buckets alongside the procession will go to Dunmow Kyokinshinkai martial arts, Dunmow Disabled Club and the Buffy Bus.

David Beedle, chairman of field events for the carnival, said: “We want to thank everyone who took part, particularly Dunmow Scouts who closed the roads.” An assortment of lost property was found. To claim, call David Beedle on 01371 873673.