THE carnival in Marlborough has had its best year financially, and at the annual meeting on Monday, retiring chairman Pam Balcombe handed out cheques totalling more than £5,000 to charities and organisations.

Carnival president, the mayor David Watson said: "The carnival made more than ever before which is good for the local charities."

Mrs Balcombe, who stood down from the committee after a year as chairman, said: "We had a very small committee which worked very hard with the help of carnival queen, Katie Ball, and her attendants.

"None of the events lost money, and we had several new events including a rock and roll dance and a well supported variety night.

"On carnival day we were lucky with good weather and large crowds who stayed to the end.

"The procession was bigger and very colourful which made all the effort worthwhile."

Mrs Balcombe singled out the Forties Night for a special mention saying it had grown enormously in popularity and was a sell-out making a net profit of almost £650.

The financial report was presented by Caroline Clarkson-Cowles.

She said: "We have had a very good year. In sponsorships and donations from around the town we received £7,725 which is a lot of money for a relatively small community to find."