Basildon Carnival is to keep on running - into the streets of Pitsea and Vange.

Responsibility for the annual Basildon event has been handed over to Pitsea and Vange Carnival Association.

Since 1991 the Lions Club of Basildon has been organising the Basildon procession but failed to hold one last year because of new rulings which involved applying for road closures.

Carnival king, George Coleman-Wood, who has organised carnivals in the district for more than a quarter of a century, said today he was "glad to have Basildon back."

A meeting of Pitsea carnival committee members will be held to decide what changes to make, but it is certain that there will now be just one, bigger, better carnival in the district.

George, of Harlech Close, Pitsea, is now chairman of the Pitsea and Vange Carnival Association.

When he first moved to Basildon in 1955 only Pitsea held a carnival which set off from the Gun pub in London Road.

He got involved in what became the Basildon Carnival in 1962. He was chairman for 20 years until 1982 when he took up the Pitsea Carnival reigns once again.

The 75-year-old retired administration assistant, said the future success of the carnival lies with sponsorship.

He added: "You meet so many different people from every walk of life. Life today is really hum-drum so that's why it's great to put a carnival on once a year. Anyone can go round with a begging bowl but we raise money for charity and give people something back - a carnival!"

John Deleay of the Lions Club of Basildon said they were pleased the duty had gone to a committee with so much experience at organising saimilar events.

Anyone interested in sponsoring this year's carnival should contact George on 01268 559954.

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