It wouldn’t be the Town Carnival without Sonny and Rainbow. Yesterday the clowns helped out at the the fancy dress competition and may also have found a third member for their act, seven-year-old Drew Robilliard, aka Freckles, who was runner-up. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0810641)

FUND-RAISING at this year’s Town Carnival has been the best yet, according to organiser Jack Honeybill.

About £300 has been thrown in buckets every day since the event started on Saturday. Deputy Honeybill said if the donations continued, next year’s event would go ahead.

‘I have been gobsmacked by people’s generosity. People have recognised the importance of the event and have been really enjoying it.’

It costs £32,000 to put on the week-long carnival. The money for it is raised by sponsorship and donations.

Yesterday, Market Square was filled with children taking part in the fancy dress competition.

Clowns Sonny and Rainbow helped the 29 entrants show off their costumes.

The event was sponsored by Creasey’s and toy shop manager Julie Murphy had to judge the competition. She said it was really hard to choose a winner.

‘There are a lot more children than last year. I decided to choose the ones who had put the most effort into their costumes.’

The overall winner was Miles Davey, 9, who dressed as the Milky Bar Kid.