THE Spirit of the Carnival award made its return this year ‑ created by Isle of Wight pubs to support traditional Island carnivals.

To be eligible for a prize, entries needed to have taken part in both Ryde’s main carnival and illuminated carnival.

Green Time – The Land of Butterflies qualified as one of 12 entries to be judge for the award by Ryde Carnival Committee, and secured first place.

Nit Cook and 14 glittering butterfly-costumed dancers all took to the streets of Ryde, and the carnival entry featured six different species of butterflies, fabulously created by Gift of Nature. 

The Bargeman’s Rest, Newport, The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor, The Steamer Inn, Shanklin, and The Dairyman’s Daughter, Arreton, all jointly funded the initiative, and three cash prizes were up for grabs.

First place took home £125.

Ben Matthews, judge for the award, said: “I picked Green Time – The Land of Butterflies for the group members’ enthusiasm, beautiful costumes, and impressive lighting.”

Mark Cox, Green Time project lead, said: “Winning the first prize is the perfect end to a great carnival project and for all the Green Time team members.”