HATHERLEIGH Carnival Committee was delighted to have raised £5,000 after a year of fundraising events and hosting the town’s largest carnival to date.

The funds raised meant that the committee was able to return the money that it borrowed last year from the committee’s reserve fund as well as make donations to a number of local charities.

The committee gave Devon Air Ambulance— £100, Hatherleigh Silver Band — £300, Dartmoor Rescue — £100, Hatherleigh Rotary — £75, the Christmas lights fund — £100, the Youth Club — £50, Hatherleigh Brownies — £50, the Skate Park — £50, the Youth Football Club — £50 and the Methodist chair fund — £50.

As the carnival queen’s chosen charity, the special care baby unit was also given £300.

Louise Bater, of Hatherleigh Carnival Committee, said: ‘Our lovely carnival queen Elizabeth Hutton and president Jenny Phillips kindly came along to our recent meeting with Geoff Hodgkinson, our official photographer, to judge the many brilliant entries in our carnival photograph competition.

‘After much deliberation they chose the winning photo by Rupert Stockwin, who took a beautiful shot of Abigail Bennet.

‘Thank you to our judges, and thanks to everyone who entered, it’s lovely to see so many different photos.’

Louise added that the carnival lucky badge number was 803: ‘If 803 is yours please contact Nat Wonnacott on 01837 810522 and claim your £50,’ she said.

‘The winning “vice-president’s” badge was number 19 and it belonged to Lisa Gilbert, a very worthy winner as she helped the committee out a lot during carnival weekend.

‘A big thank you to everyone who bought a badge and thank you to everyone who carried a collecting tin on carnival day/night — you all did a great job!

‘The highest three female collectors were Jemima Powlesland with £66.49, Helen Reddaway with £87.89 and our highest was Ricki Entwistle with £89.36! The highest three male collectors were, Andrew Hutton who collected £102.83, Adrian Edwards with £223.05 and our highest male collector was Mr Ivor Pellow with £364.97. Thank you all so much for all your work.

‘The committee would like to thank everyone who helped, took part or watched the brilliant 2016 Carnival.’

If you would like to help with the planning of the next Hatherleigh Carnival, then you will be welcome to attend the committee meeting on Wednesday, March 15 in the Old Schools at 7.30pm.