DESPITE a dour forecast of strong wind and rain Chard Carnival has given a welcome boost to a host of local groups and good causes.

Charity cheques were handed out to a number of beneficiaries from Chard and the surrounding area, with more than £3,500 given to the lucky teams.

The land a slice of the cash, volunteers from groups helped selling merchandise, collected change on carnival evening, provided aid to collection lorries, or served as emergency services.

Jason Baker, the chairman of Chard Carnival Committee, led proceedings on Sunday at the Guildhall.

He said: “As you may remember our carnival last year was a little on the wet and windy side which as you can imagine meant we were a few entries short.

“Last year’s carnival, despite the weather, was still the biggest carnival Chard has seen for many years, and was enjoyed by thousands of spectators.”

However, the weather did impact on collections.

Mr Baker added: “Unfortunately our collection was £1,000 down on 2017 and toy sales were also down considerably, but we are still managing this evening to be giving nearly £3,500 away to local groups and good causes.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you and well to all of the committee who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to put on this event, and thank them personally for the support they have given me as chairman.

“There is much that goes on behind the scenes that no one sees and I think they all deserve a huge round of applause.”