Sutton scooped top prize at the London New Year’s Day parade in front of 500,000 spectators.
Each year London boroughs and international performers are invited to contribute a section of the world-famous event, which snakes its way around central London on January 1.
Sutton’s international, travel themed float, which featured over 80 performers old and young singing in eight different languages, was awarded first place by the judges.
Along with the trophy, Sutton’s Mayor, Steve Cook, collected £10,000 for the borough’s chosen charities, Sutton Home-Start and The Kidney Fund.
Christine Lindsay, chair of the Gary Mason Charity, who organised the float, said: “We’re so delighted.
“Our float was a proper Sutton-made effort. Lots of boroughs pay money to outside organisations to do it for them, but our float was made by volunteers and the performers were all volunteers.
“Really I wanted to make memories for the children who took part. The atmosphere and the camaraderie are things they’ll never forget.”
With the theme ‘London welcomes the world’, the lorry float was decorated as an airport, complete with duty free and a carousel.
Volunteers from the borough performed ‘Welcome to the children of the world’, which is sung in eight different languages.
Each country was represented by performers in national dress, carrying their country’s flag.
Mayor Steve Cook said: “What an incredible achievement! Being a part of the parade and then collecting the 1st place prize on behalf of our borough was one of the proudest days of my mayoral term.
“Thank you to everyone who put so much in to make it happen.
“This was achieved with a lot of hard work by a great team of volunteers. I’m absolutely thrilled as well that our two local charities will be benefiting.”
The Gary Mason Charity, which provides hand drumming as musical therapy to people with disabilities, special needs and mental health problems, organises the borough annual effort, led by Christine.
The rest was down to the team of volunteers. Artistic lead Lizzie Atkins directed the drawing and painting much of the float boards.
Her husband Ian, along with Roy Gough, Matt Nichols and additional daily helpers built up the structures.
The trailer itself was donated by Conference Haul International. Subsea 7 also made a donation to help cover the costs.
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