TIME is running out to be involved in this year's Colchester Carnival procession.

The annual event takes place on Saturday, July 16 and preparations are already well underway.

A spokesman for the Carole Gale School of Dance, which is taking part in the procession, said: "We are very excited once again to participate in this year’s carnival.

"As a dance school we love a challenge to perform to the crowd, demonstrating disco freestyle, commercial hip hop and street, rock 'n' roll, slow lyrical.

"We will be bringing a spectacular performance with a modern twist to the carnival's theme of]fairytales, myths and legends.

"We can’t wait to be in the parade."

The dance school is based in Stanway Village Hall, in Villa Road.

Dancers from the group compete around the country and take exams every six months in a bid to continuously improve their skills.

The carnival is again sponsored by Weston Homes. Its procession route begins at Abbey Field at 1pm and will finish in High Street at 3pm.

All proceeds from the event will be split between the Haven Project and The Robin Cancer Trust.

To take part in the procession, which is expected to have about 50 groups, email procession@colchestercarnival.com.