DESPITE wet weather descending on carnival season, Chard’s event organisers still gave away nearly £3,000 in charity cash.

Jason Baker, the chairman of the Chard Carnival Committee, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you and well done to all of the committee who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to put on this event.

“We could not put on what is the biggest event in Chard without the help and assistance of all of our emergency services - the police, ambulance service, and fire brigade.

“We work throughout the year with these authorities to ensure that we have everything in place and have adequate cover for the event.

“The emergency services play a huge role in carnival. We have members of all of the emergency services sat in our silver control as well as on foot in the town.

“The fire brigade, first responders and St Johns take part in the procession, as well as providing emergency assistance throughout the event.”

Last year’s carnival, despite the weather, was still a great event and was enjoyed by thousands of spectators.

The funds were split between schools and groups that helped sell carnival merchandise, grants for clubs who took part in carnival, and cash groups that worked on a Christmas fundraising float.

Cllr Baker added: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you and well done to all of the committee who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to put on this event.

“I would like to give a huge thank you to C & D transport who supplied a lorry and driver in our children’s carnival, and two lorries and drivers in our evening procession.

“Collecting vehicles collect a huge amount of money for us.

“We decided to split all of the money we give away into sections, which represent how the money was collected by the committee.

“There are lots of people that help us behind the scenes but we would like to give a special thank you to Tesco for all of the support the give is throughout the year.”

Some of the groups that took part in carnival and/or helped to collect cash on the day were:

Chard Fire Service, Chard First Responders, Kelly Leigh, Juniors Reloaded CC, Chard Poppy Appeal, Chard Majorettes, Nunsford Nutters, Merriott Majorettes, Wellington Majorettes, Chard Girl Guides, Chard Majorettes, Avishayes School, Merriott Majorettes, Chard 1st Scouts, Juniors Reloaded, Zem CC, Kai Newbury, Chard Brass Band, Families R Us, Little Munchkins, Tatworth Christmas Lights, Eclipse CC, TAPS, and St Johns.