Rain on parade fails to dampen the spirits

Thousands of soggy revellers took to the streets yesterday for the final day of Notting Hill Carnival undaunted by the wet weather.

The procession of sound systems and floats was delayed due to rain, but an organiser said it started at midday and there was a continuous flow of bands since.

Flamboyant headdresses and skimpy costumes were joined by umbrellas and plastic ponchos, with 7,000 police officers on patrol to keep order at the event in a washed-out west London.