WITH the big event only months away, organisers of Bridgwater Carnival are inviting local charities and clubs to benefit from this year’s street collection.

Last year, more than 450 people helped to collect £26,747 for 25 different organisations, plus the Bridgwater Carnival charity.

Jon Jacobs, Bridgwater Carnival’s collection officer, said: "We would like to hear from any local charities and organisations, community groups and clubs who support and help people in the surrounding area and who would like to get involved in Bridgwater’s biggest night of the year.

"All we ask is for them to have volunteers out on the streets collecting on carnival day or night, and of course the more money they collect, the greater share they receive."

Local charities and organisations are also able to benefit from the carnival through the sale of souvenir programmes or by helping with the marshalling of the carnival and car parks.

Mr Jacobs, who is taking on the role for the second year running, added: "Helping local charities and organisations to boost their funds is an integral part of the carnival which we are all very proud of, and is something which many people overlook."

"In the last six years, Bridgwater Carnival related activities have raised nearly £109,000 for local good causes, and this is testament to the hard work of everybody associated with Bridgwater Carnival."

Phil Maye, from Bridgwater Rotary Club, said: "Helping at Bridgwater Carnival is one of the most enjoyable ways of fundraising, and last year we raised over £3,500 from the spectacular event.

"Let’s hope Bridgwater Carnival 2016 is a great success, and it would be wonderful to see other groups and clubs getting involved with this wonderful tradition."

Charities and local community groups who benefited by working with Bridgwater Carnival in 2015, included Bridgwater Rotary Club, Wellington and Taunton Young Farmers, Inner Wheel, St John Ambulance, Bridgwater Lions International and Cancer Research UK.

Those interested in becoming involved with the collection or who would like to receive further information about the other fundraising opportunities available should contact Jon Jacobs on 07515 818615.

You can also e-mail collection@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk The closing date for applications is Friday September 2.