CARNIVAL preparations in Chard and Ilminster are under way and now is people’s chance to get involved in the processions.

Chard Carnival committee chairman Andrew Chant said more than £6,000 had already been raised following the Chard Carnival Princess and Miss Chard competition, compared to £250 from last year’s competition.

Chelsie Bale is this year’s Miss Chard and Maia Watson is Carnival Princess.

Abi Winter and Kaysha Hatson will be the princess attendants.

Mr Chant said: “Most of the big carnival clubs are back and it seems to be going well.

“On the fundraising side of things, this year has the potential to be the best – we are looking really good and I am confident for a good total.”

More fundraising events will be held before Chard Carnival, including a cash bingo at Crowshute House on Saturday, September 13, with eyes down at 7.15pm.

A vintage bike run will be held, depending on the weather, on Sunday, September 28.

All the money raised from the carnival will go back into local community charities and groups, and Mr Chant encouraged groups to get in touch if they would like a share of the funds.

Chard Children’s Carnival is on October 4 with the main event on October 11. The children’s carnival in Ilminster is on September 27 and the main carnival on October 4.

David Amor, who is on the Ilminster Carnival committee, said: “Entries are going well, the big clubs are coming back and there is still time if people want to enter the carnival, whether it is as a couple or dressing up.

“It is the big event of the year and we encourage people to come forward.”

See the forms on this page on how to enter this year’s carnivals. Simply cut out the form and send it to the relevant address.