ROMAN gladiators were out in force in Trowbridge at the weekend as carnival fundraising got into full swing.

Carnival committee members Steve Nash and Andrew Mulligan were decked out in Roman togas and shields to drum up financial support for this year's event.

Carnival Queen Georgina Matthews, 20, who won the carnival queen competition in June, which was backed by the Wiltshire Times, helped with the fundraising efforts in Fore Street on Saturday, joined by her princesses and attendants.

Shoppers helped raise £170 towards the event, due to kick-off on September 4, with a street fair in the town park.

Irish dancing, music and judo displays are already lined up to make sure this year's carnival launches in style.

A soapbox derby will be held in Castle Street on September 5, with organisers needing a bumper set of entrants to cover rising insurance costs.

The procession takes place a week later on September 11.

Mr Nash said: "We are always on the look out for new members. We need more stewards to man the roads and more volunteers to help with the overall running.

"A lot of ladies were coming up and asking what was underneath our togas."