MORE than 25 groups and good causes in Chard have benefitted from funds raised by the town’s carnival.

A celebratory event was held at the Lordleaze Hotel in Chard recently which saw vital funds handed out to groups from across the town.

Among the recipients were emergency medical support Chard and Ilminster First Responders, the town’s fire service, and a number of schools and carnival clubs.

Jason Baker, chairman of Chard Carnival Committee, said: “The total collected at last year’s carnival was up on the previous years and together with funds contributed in pre-carnival events means that local groups and charities benefited from your generosity.

“We gave cheques to 26 local clubs and charities at the Lordleaze Hotel. Representatives from the organisations were present, and this made for a fantastic evening.

“I can only thank the committee and everyone involved for making last year’s carnival such a great event.

“I hope you will agree with me that this hard work and effort by clubs, individuals and the carnival committee produced another successful Chard Carnival.”

Other groups that received grants and donations this year were Cary Comedians, Kelly Leigh Dance School, Chard Rotary Club, Merriott Majorettes, Axminster Scouts, Chard Beavers, Chard Rugby Club, TAPS, CATS, Chard hospital’s Swinbanks Ward, and Chard Museum.

Among the carnival entries entrees who benefitted were Karizma, Extreme, Karen Cummings, Westonzoyland, Eclipse, Chard Majorettes, Eclipse Juniors, Zem CC, and Generations.

The schools which received donations were Manor Court, Avishayes, Redstart and Tatworth.