Hip Hop artist Akon was at number one, Arsenal become the first team to win the FA Cup on penalties, and the invasion of Iraq was in crisis as a wave of bombings hit the county, but what was happening 10 years ago in teh Bridgwater Mercury.

BRIDGWATER’S Carnival statue was set to be officially unveiled later in the year – even though the committee still needed to raise £4,000.

The Spirit of Carnival statue was sent to specialists in Gloucester for bronzing and it was set to be unveiled at a special ceremony in October.

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee spokesman Dave Stokes said: “I know it will be a statue we can be proud of and one which will provide a lasting and fitting tribute to our wonderful Carnival tradition.

“Fundraising is still going extremely well but we still need one final push to raise the remainder of what is needed.”

THERE was sad news as Inovia Films confirmed its closure with the loss of 250 jobs.

Despite a petition with thousands of signatures and a march through the town to try to save the factory, the company confirmed it was “regrettably” closing the Bridgwater plant.