A POPULAR county town tradition has been saved thanks to an influx of volunteers.

The Dorchester Carnival was facing an uncertain future last month due to a lack of volunteers, with the town’s then mayoress, Anita Harries, speaking out about her “genuine fears” the event would be cancelled.

At a meeting of the carnival committee on Tuesday evening, organisers were given the good news that 41 residents have since come forward to marshal the carnival meaning it will go ahead as planned on Saturday, June 17.

Anita said: “It has been an uphill struggle to bring everything together this year, but the hard work and determination of the committee has ensured a positive outcome.

“Last month’s appeal in the Dorset Echo really helped people realise that things like this cannot go ahead without the people volunteering their time.

“With safety being of paramount importance, volunteers are essential to ensure the smooth running of the carnival, and it is thanks to the generosity of local people that it will all now happen.

“Now all we need is the whole town to embrace the carnival spirit and make the day as successful as it now deserves to be.

“We cannot thank enough all those who have come forward to help.”

With marshals in place, organisers are now urging as many people as possible to sign up for the ‘Night at the Movies’-themed procession.

Dorchester town councillor Janet Hewitt said: “I want to thank everybody who has come forward and offered to help we are very, very pleased.

“However, we have had a last minute illness and are now looking for a classic car owner to lead the parade. So if there are any classic car owners, we would love to hear from them.”

Organisers have also said that ongoing roadworks around the town will not disrupt the parade.

Cllr Hewitt added: “We understand that roadworks will not be a problem, as by the time carnival the roadworks will have moved to Great Western Road which is not on our route.”

The carnival procession will take place on Saturday, June 17 at 5.30 pm. Entry forms can be downloaded from the website at www.dorchestercarnival.org and any classic car owners wishing to lead the parade should contact Cllr Hewitt on 01305 266175.