WITH 2012 drawing to a close, Bridgwater Carnival organisers say the involvement of children in a wide range of events has made this year extra special.

The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee organised a number of initiatives in 2012 to get more young people involved in carnival and ensure its lasting legacy.

Primary and secondary schools in the area were invited to show off their talents by decorating model squibs which were displayed in Angel Place Shopping Centre.

Schools were also invited to take part in a carnival literacy challenge, and a competition where pupils were asked to design and construct their very own carnival carts.

On the big day there were two children’s parades, the largest of which involved more than 150 youngsters from eight schools.

Bridgwater Carnival Committee thanked the Arts Council of England and Hinkley Point A – Energy Solutions for sponsoring its work with schools.

A carnival spokesman said: “Involving children in carnival is vital for the tradition to survive, and the carnival committee organised a number of initiatives in 2012 which proved extremely popular with local primary and secondary schools.”