A BRIDGWATER Carnival Club had to cut nearly half its members during North Petherton’s event last night when it discovered it was over the legal weight.

Vagabonds CCs’ Moonlight Masquerade weighed in at around 53 tonnes instead of 50, as required by police regulations.

Members held an emergency meeting and decided to lose a lorry and generator – which meant 10 members had to stand down that night.

Captain and secretary Sean Rendells said: “We were all devastated. But we decided to take part, make cuts and carry on, as that’s Carnival spirit.

“We had 12 members go on the cart and members will take it in turns to perform throughout the rest of the carnivals. It was a bit of work to get on the road and the electricians worked long hours.”