CHARD Carnival Committee has handed out cheques worth a whopping £7,000 to 24 local groups and organisations at a presentation ceremony.

Representatives of all the recipients attended the presentation event at the Lordleaze Hotel in Chard.

Carnival committee chairman Andy Chant said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in the 2014 carnival or watched it and all those who put money into the collecting tins.

“It is so good to see the whole town coming together to celebrate a uniquely Somerset event.

“It seems to get harder and more expensive to run public events. I hope everyone will agree that the hard work and effort by the clubs, individuals and the carnival committee produced a great carnival last year.

“But it doesn’t stop there because we are already making our plans to make 2015’s carnival even better.”

Mayor of Chard Jenny Kenton and the carnival ‘royalty’ gave out the awards.

In addition to the collection on the night, the committee’s fundraising in 2014 went very well – in particular it had a very successful Miss Chard and Princess competition.

The Carnival Committee’s annual meeting is at the Lordleaze Hotel tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.30pm and any new volunteers are welcome. For more details phone Mr Chant on 07850-523734.

n Groups to benefit were: Chard Beaver Scouts Group, 3rd Chard Brownies, 3rd Chard Rainbows, 1st Chard Brownies, Chard Goldstars, Chard Guides, Buckland St Mary Pre-School, Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Combe St Nicholas village hall, Crowshute Centre Ltd, Chard Museum, Chard Summer Show, Lord’s Larder, Chard WATCH group, Calendar Girls, Chard Mini Rugby, Chard RFC, Chardstock Youth Club, Zem CC, Eclipse CC, Poppe Inne CC, Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society, Chard Junior Brass Band and Chard Methodist Church.