A deal with supermarket giant Safeway is likely to make Maldon's carnival the best ever.

Safeway will be sponsoring the whole of carnival day on Saturday, August 5.

The week-long entertainment beforehand will begin on July 30 with the crowning of the carnival court.

Lynn Smith, carnival committee secretary, said: "More sponsorship means more money which means we have more money to give away which hasn't been the case for the last two years."

"We are normally lucky to get given the raffle prizes."

Jean Haylock, committee member, said: "The carnival was bit glum last year but, thanks to Safeway, hopefully it won't be this year. We are going to try very hard to have a special carnival because it is 2000."

Extra safety measures are a concern for the committee this year which is in negotiations to find another meeting place for carnival floats.

Usually they meet on Mundon Road and tail back around the Poets Estate but the committee is looking for open ground to avoid having to pay for road closures.

But while plans are forging ahead the committee is anxious to attract new members. Currently it needs a press officer and someone to organise the gates at the carnival.

"We would like some new blood on the committee - It's the same people who do it every year."

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