THE long-awaited return Carnforth Carnival on Saturday is being eagerly anticipated as arrangements for the July 4 even gather pace.

Organisers are to share the latest news about the event's revival during a public meeting on Monday, February 23.

The committee is appealing for carnival volunteers and marshalls, and is also to invite Carnforth's shopkeepers to enter a best-dressed shop competition. The public meeting is to take place at 7pm at the Carnforth Legion club on Scotland Road.

Meanwhile the new 2015 carnival website - http://carnforthcarnival.co.uk - is soon to go live, complete with entry forms for floats to download.

The carnival enjoyed its heyday during the 1970s and 80s, when a string of famous faces led the colourful parade of marching bands and decorated floats through the streets.

They included Emmerdale Farm star Stan Richards, who appeared in his character Seth Armstrong's trademark gamekeeper's hat at the 1988 carnival, its silver jubilee. Crossroads actor Paul Henry, who played handyman Benny Hawkins, was the VIP in 1986.

Forthcoming events to raise funds for this year's carnival comeback include:

- Sunday, March 8 - 'onesie dash' starting at 2pm from the George Washington pub, Warton. Entry £5 - take collection buckets/pots.

- Saturday, March 14 - carnival queen and attendants to be chosen at the Ex-Servicemen's Club, together with children's disco. Guests of honour will be former carnival queen Bev Boak and princess Karen Smith.

- Saturday, May 9 - Carnforth's Got Talent contest at the Ex-Servicemen's Club - 3pm for under-16s and 6pm for over-16s.

- Saturday, May 30 - auction of promises at the Ex-Servicemen's Club, 7.30pm - auctioneer needed.

Carnforth Town Council have given their support to the carnival comeback as well as a financial donation, said town clerk Philip Charnley.