EXTRAS and former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has thanked carnival fans in Weston for the incredibly warm welcome they gave him during last week's parade. The popular performer was in the resort to promote The Playhouse's annual family pantomime, Dic

EXTRAS and former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has thanked carnival fans in Weston for the incredibly warm welcome they gave him during last week's parade.The popular performer was in the resort to promote The Playhouse's annual family pantomime, Dick Whittington, in which he plays the dastardly King Rat. Shaun, dressed up as King Rat, travelled around the carnival circuit in a vintage car alongside his co-star, West End performer Carys Gray, who plays Fairy Bow Bells in the traditional production, and his two children, Sophie and Joe, who were dressed up as rats.Shaun said: "The reception we received as we went around the route was phenomenal. In fact, my eight-year-old daughter Sophie described it as 'the best evening of her life'."It was the first time I had seen the illuminated carnival and I was really impressed by the entries. The carnival clubs obviously spend a lot of time and money on their amazing displays, which help raise thousands of pounds for charity. It is brilliant."Personally, I would like to thank the carnival supporters for their incredible welcome and I am really looking forward to returning to Weston next month in the panto."Dick Whittington runs from December 18 to January 14. Tickets are available from the box office on 01934 645544.* The Weston Carnival winners were as follows. Tableaux-open: Ice Warz, Pentathlon CC. Feature-open: Ghost Ship, Gremlins CC. Comic Features: I Need a Hero, Newmarket CC. Juvenile Feature: Indian Spirit, Marina Sydenham CC. Single Adult Masquerader: Robotnik, G Harris. Pairs: Ice Magic, Fellowship CC. Group of Masqueraders On Foot - adult: Still Afloat, Eclipse CC. Group of Masqueraders On Foot - juvenile: Dead Mans Chest, Rainbow JCC. Most Appropriately Decorated Tractor: Ghost Ship, Gremlins CC. Best and Most Aptly Dressed Tractor Driver: Ghost Ship, Gremlins CC. Non Winner Tableaux/Feature: Umoja, Vagabonds CC. Miscellaneous: George's Mini Roundabout, George Brimacombe BEM. Bands: Avon Glen Pipes and Drums. Group of Adult Masqueraders - local: Disco Inferno, Weston Youth Dance Co. Group of Juvenile Masqueraders - local: Shooting Stars Cheerleaders, Groovy Moves Dance and Drama. Visitors Choice: Ghost Ship, Gremlins CC. Technical Achievement: Ghost Ship, Gremlins CC. Most Appropriate Music-open: Ghost Ship, Gremlins CC. Best Costume - open: Spirit of the Ancestors, Honeyduck CC. Most Appropriate Music -local: Disco Inferno, Weston Dance Co. Best Costume - local: Weston Rebels Cheerleading Squad. Best Overall Local Entry: Shooting Stars Cheerleaders, Groovy Moves Dance and Drama.