Police confirmed they had received a racism complaint and are investigating.

A spokeswoman said: "Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a perceived hate incident which occurred at Aberaeron carnival on Monday, August 28.

"An entry to the carnival parade was considered racist. Enquiries are being made by local officers."

But other residents in Aberaeron backed the fancy dress revellers - and slammed Miss Mulholland for "overreacting".

Luke Summerfield said: "So are we now living in an era where we can't dress up as our favourite movie characters? You are creating more of a problem instead of living in harmony."

Tom Bow said: "Wow this shouldn't of even brought up. This shouldn't even be in the minds of people. This isn't any sort of racism.

"This is why our world has so many problems because of people taking things too seriously and just not enjoying the culture and the icons that were Cool Runnings."

Lewis Jones said: "How is this in any sense or form wrong? They are literally portraying characters who are black. It's not bullying.

"It's not targeted at anyone or anything. The only people being offended are the people who assume someone is going to get offended."

Cool Runnings was the story of four Jamaican athletes who dream of becoming Jamaica's first ever bobsleigh team to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Japan.