PREPARATIONS for the 108th Hatherleigh Carnival on November 12 are now well under way, with tar barrels being tarred and the finishing touches being put onto the floats.

Leading the event is carnival queen Hannah Anstey, with prince and princess Zak Spears and Amy Connor.

Hannah studies hairdressing at Exeter College and has long standing ties with the carnival, having participated on her family's floats since she was two years old.

Hannah's chosen charity is the Exeter Leukaemia Fund, in memory of her great aunt Marie Daniel, who was a passionate carnival member and supporter of the event.

Zak and Amy both attend Hatherleigh Primary School. Zak enjoys playing football and golf while Amy enjoys cycling and swimming, as well as taking part in activities as part of Hatherleigh Brownies.

This year's carnival president is Syd Newcombe. He has been a long-time supporter of the carnival, having taken part in the procession as a young boy. He still helps with the preparation of his daughter's float and will be known to many for the sale of his carnival badges.

The fun begins on Friday November 11 at 8pm when the children will pull both sets of unlit barrels through the town, accompanied by Hatherleigh Jazz Band. At 5am the next morning the first blazing barrel run takes place, flooding the town with thrills and excitement.

Hatherleigh will quieten down again briefly until 11am, when the Eggesford Hunt meet in the Square, followed by the town criers' competition and judging of the shop windows.

The children's procession will pass through the town in the afternoon at 2pm, along with the crowning of the royalty by the carnival president and the judging of the floats.

As the evening draws in there is the main procession of carnival floats and walking guys at 7.30pm, and the final performance from the Patchwork Spinning Collective fire spinners in Bridge Street.

The day's events will be capped off with the mesmeric final barrel run of the carnival. Throughout the day there will be refreshments, amusements and a fun fair for all ages in the market.

Carnival badges are now on sale in shops around the town for just £1, with all proceeds funding the tar barrels, which now cost around £40 each. Entry forms are in the carnival programme available from various outlets in Hatherleigh, or on http://www.hatherleighcarnival.co.uk">www.hatherleighcarnival.co.uk

They must be returned to Mrs Alma Knight, whose address is on the forms, or handed into Hatherleigh Paper Shop by Thursday November 10.

Proceeds this year are going to Devon Air Ambulance, Exeter Leukaemia Fund as well as other local charities and groups.