DORCHESTER Carnival organisers have been given a boost with the backing of a major local provider of residential and home care facilities.

Care South, which has properties across the south of England including in Dorchester, has been announced as the main sponsor of this year’s carnival.

Susan Willoughby, chief executive at Care South, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Dorchester Carnival.

“As a local not-for-profit charity, we are dedicated to helping people in the communities in which we work, whether that’s in our residential care homes or through the home care services that we offer.

“Residents and staff at Maiden Castle House, our residential and dementia care home in Dorchester, are really looking forward to getting involved in this year’s carnival.”

Staff at Maiden Castle House have been busy getting their float ready for the procession, which takes place on June 18.

Jenny Webster, activities organiser for Care South, said: “The main theme for the carnival this year was storytime, so we have chosen George Orwell’s Animal Farm for our float.

“We are all busy getting our animal costumes ready and making decorations ready for the big day.”

Jenny continued: “I am very proud to work for Care South and the excellent service that the charity provides. I love being part of an organisation that makes a real difference to people in their communities every day.”

It is free for anyone to take part in the procession. For more information visit dorchestercarnival.org