PUT your name down to be a steward at Hatherleigh Carnival now and you will be guaranteed the best view at this colourful event.
The Carnival Committee is seeking 30 stewards to stand in the street on November 10, whose sole purpose will be to keep the crowds back from the procession and the tar barrels.
Secretary Mandy Wonnacott said boosting the number of volunteers was all that was needed to make the carnival go off with a swing.
'We really are trying this year — everything has been against us because of foot and mouth,' she said.
'We could have given up in March when he had our first meeting but we decided to plough on regardless and now everything is in place except the stewards.
Torches and tar barrels are an essential part of the procession at Hatherleigh, which attracts thousands of people to its carnival each year.
Because of the potential fire hazard the number of stewards has to be quite high although police have agreed there can be ten less this year.
Standing on the sidelines in front of the crowds the stewards always get a wonderful view of all the activity going on.
The day will start at 5am with first run of tar barrels through the town.
Despite being unable to hunt because of foot and mouth restrictions, the Torrington Hunt has agreed to meet outside the George Hotel at 11am as usual.
Mrs Wonnacott said without the hunt the day would not be the same and she was very grateful members had agreed to take part.
The children's procession begins at 1.45pm and the main procession at 7.30pm but there is plenty to see and take part in all afternoon and evening.
Leading the processions will be carnival queen Laura Reddaway, Prince Andrew Collier and Princess Martha Fawcett.
Anyone who can help the committee by being a steward for the night should call Mandy Wonnacott on 01837 810678.