CARNIVAL fever is back in the mind of many a St Annes' resident as preparations for the town's annual celebration get under way.

This year's event is on July 10 and the committee, chaired by the newly-appointed Richard Crawshay, is hoping to make it bigger and better than ever.

And your help is needed to make it a success. Businesses, schools, churches and community groups are all being asked to enter a lorry in the procession, led by Blackpool Brass, with various prizes being offered as an incentive.

Shop owners can help bring a little colour and decoration to the celebrations by entering the window dressing competition while sponsorship for the carnival as a whole is more than welcome.

One person who will definitely be enjoying the festivities is Lindsey Smith. The lucky youngster, from St Thomas's Church, has been named as this year's carnival queen elect and will claim her crown during a special ceremony in Ashton gardens.

The park will also become the focus of all the fun throughout the afternoon with various charity stalls, displays and of course the fair which has expanded

New for this year is a showcase of teenage pop and rock bands and other attractions are encouraged.

Anyone who wants to get involved is asked to contact vice chairman Cheryl Little on (01253) 711722 or public relations officer and master of ceremonies Caroline Livesey on (01253) 723092.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.