THE committee which runs the biggest annual event in the town calendar has presented cheques to charities and procession winners alike.

The Andover Carnival Committee, which is responsible for putting together the town’s yearly parade and Vigo Park event, presented chosen charities and procession winners with cheques on Wednesday evening.

Committee chairperson Larna Burley said: “As chairperson I’d like to thank our sponsors, because without our sponsors we can’t put such a big event on for the town to enjoy.

“Also, we’d like to thank the public as well and all the volunteers. It takes us a year to organise the carnival and the day goes by very quickly.

“We all love doing it and we do it to raise as much as we can for charities that some of us might need one day.

“And I’ve learnt about so many charities in Andover that I didn’t even know existed until joining the carnival nine years ago.

“I’m proud to carry on doing it and I hope next year will be a success.”

This year’s chosen charities that benefited from funds collected on the day were Icknield School and the MS Society Andover. Both organisations received £2,250 each.

Celebrated as winners of the best charity or community group float was the Andover Musical Theatre Company and AMTC Starlights group, who received a cheque for £250.

Further to receiving a charitable donation, The MS Society Andover also won the award for best walking procession, for their theme of Ken Dodd and the Doddies, receiving a further £150.

Sponsors and committee members came together at the event to celebrate the effort of all involved.

Presenting the sums alongside Larna Burley were carnival ambassador Iris Andersen, and a selection of sponsors including Simon Potter of the Commercial Centre and Angie White and David Witcher from the Central Club.

During the meeting, the challenges of the day were also discussed. Reduced footfall from last year was noted, blamed on the hot weather or the World Cup final, which occurred on the same day.

Swarms of flying ants were also considered a problematic incident.

Organisers were happy with the amount raised from this years carnival, and announced the date of next year’s event to be July 21.

Local charities are urged to get in contact to apply to become one of next year’s chosen beneficiaries.

For information about how to apply as a charity or to take part, go to andovercarnival.org.