Weymouth Carnival is appealing for enthusiastic people to join its team as a new chairman takes the reins of the summer event.

It comes after former carnival chairman Ryan Hope announced his departure last month.

Mr Hope said he left due to family commitments and is expecting his second child in May.

He added: “I have done a lot of work with the carnival and am a founding member of its charity.

“I now have a growing family, with my little girl due in May. I need to give attention to my family.

“I wish the new team the best of luck. I would urge anyone who wants to see the carnival continue in town to contact the team and get involved.”

In a Facebook post on Weymouth Carnival’s Facebook page, the team thanked Mr Hope for his work as part of the carnival’s committee.

It states: “We have said farewell to our long-term chairman of Weymouth Carnival Ryan Hope.

“Ryan leaves us as he’s expecting baby number two with his fiancée and is wanting to spend more time with his family.

“We wish Ryan, his fiancée Holly and son Lewie the best for the future and look forward to hearing the news of the safe arrival of baby number two.”

Mr Hope founded the Weymouth Carnival Charity in 2013 and was joint chairman for a year with Lucy Compton. He then volunteered as operations control in 2014 before becoming chairman in 2015.

Stacey Andrew has replaced Mr Hope as the new carnival chairman and will oversee preparations for the event in August.

Ms Andrew first got involved with Weymouth Carnival in 2010 when she moved to the area and has worked as the raffle organiser as part of the committee.

She said: “I have been involved with the carnival since I moved to the town in 2010.

“I volunteered first and then Ryan dragged me in and made me part of the committee.

“I have been doing the raffle for the last couple of years. I am known as the lady with the microphone.”

She said she is ‘chuffed’ to be taking over as chairman and aims to take the carnival in a new direction.

She said: “I am very chuffed and keen to plan everything.

“I am putting on the whole event, there will be some changes because not everyone works the same.”

She said she aims to bring back the barrel race and introduce a soap box race.

Ms Andrew also confirmed that the application for the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Flight have been submitted.

The team will hold its EGM meeting on Friday, January 26 at Weymouth Centenary Club. The meeting will begin at 6pm.

Ms Andrew added: “We are encouraging people to come down and join us if they wish and find out what we do and how we do it. As well as how they can get involved with planning the event.”

If you would like to get involved with Weymouth Carnival contact Chairman of Weymouth Carnival Stacey Andrew on 01305 562632 or Secretary Samantha McIntosh on 07511934780.

Weymouth Carnival is set to take place on Tuesday August 14 and Wednesday August 15.