ORGANISERS of the Swanage Carnival remain hopeful the event can go ahead as planned this summer.

They have even announced this year's three carnival youth ambassadors.

The eight-day event, which normally includes air displays, live music, a host of sporting competitions, fireworks displays and the main carnival procession, is one of the biggest of its kind on the south coast – attracting tens of thousands of spectators.

With the theme of 'One Upon a Time' it is scheduled to start on July 25.

Last year the carnival raised £28,800 for 26 selected charities and organisations.

With many events being cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus spread and associated social distancing measures, Swanage Carnival organisers say, as it stands, their event will be going ahead as planned. However, the carnival committee confirms it will be "monitoring this developing situation very closely" and will comply with official government guidance.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the latest raft of measures to slow down the spread of Covid-19, he said they would be reviewed on a monthly basis.

Meanwhile, the three new youth ambassadors, Lavinia-Dior, Carmen and Millie, will help organise, judge and take part in carnival activities throughout the week.

Carnival chairman Maria Foot said: "This role was introduced in 2019 with the aim of inspiring more youngsters to get involved with Swanage Carnival. Last year’s ambassadors, Alex, Seb and Reece had a great time getting involved with many of our events and we had lots of positive feedback about this new role that is open to all young people in our local area.

"We are pleased to welcome this year’s ambassadors; Lavinia-Dior, Carmen and Millie who you will see representing carnival in 2020.

"We have some brand new events lined up for 2020 and our ambassadors will be there to welcome our visitors and help raise vital funds for our chosen good causes."