THE streets of Purton are set to come to life with all the sights and sounds of the carnival.

Next month sees the start of the Purton and Purton Stoke annual carnival season, which runs until the end of June.

And residents are in for a treat with something for all the family to enjoy.

The carnival was started 30 years ago to support the work of Purton Helping Hand, which helps disabled and elderly people in the community.

Last year's event raised more than £3,000, which was used to buy vouchers which were distributed to elderly and disabled people to use in the village's shops.

And the £3,000 is a target the carnival committee is hoping to beat this year.

"It would be wonderful if we could," said Lynda Warren, chairman of the committee.

"I think everyone in the village has been touched at one point or another by the working of Purton Helping Hand and it really does make a difference."

Among the events planned are a coffee, cakes and cards morning, a walking treasure hunt, teddy bears picnic and a carnival lunch.

Mrs Warren already knows what the most popular event will be.

"The carnival procession is always really well received by residents and everyone has a great day," she said.

"We are just hoping the weather holds up and we'll all be out in the sunshine."

The committee is also looking for people fit to wear the crown of the carnival's royal family.

They will travel in the carnival procession and attend various events during the year.

The family is made up by the carnival queen, who must be aged 14 or over, two carnival princesses, aged between 11 and 14, two butterfly princesses, aged up to 11 years and two carnival princes, aged up to 14 .

Entrants must live in Purton or Purton Stoke and there will be a cash prize for each selected member of the family.

The fun kicks off on Saturday, June 10, with the Mile of Coins, which will stretch through the village.

Programmes are now on sale in the village.

For more information on the carnival, or to volunteer to help with any of the events, get in touch with Lynda on 01793 771453 or email lynda.warren@btinternet.com

Diary dates

  • Saturday June 10

9.30am Mile of Coins.

10am Coffee, Cakes and Cards morning.

1.30pm Table Top Sale.

7pm Carnival Royal Family selections.

8.30pm Carnival quiz.

  • Friday June 16

10am Coffee morning

  • Saturday June 17

Noon Walking treasure hunt

  • Monday June 19

8pm Spoilt for choice evening of shopping and demonstration

  • Tuesday June 20

7.30pm Bingo

  • Thursday June 22

1.30pm Teddy Bears Picnic

3.30pm Junior disco (five to 12 years)

  • Friday June 23

Noon Carnival lunch

  • Saturday June 24

Noon Carnival fete (including play by Bradon Forest school)

1.05pm Carnival procession