EXTRA fun-loving people are needed to make the Kidderminster Carnival street parade a day to remember.

Organisers are hoping to encourage more voluntary and commercial organisations to enter a float in the colourful procession and are eager for more pedestrians in fancy dress to join in the parade, on Saturday, June 18.

Parade organiser, Stuart Ness, said: "We have increased the number of classes in recent years and we have prize money totalling £385 available for the winners.

"It's a great, fun way of promoting your charity, community group, or business, as the parade is seen by many thousands of people as it winds its way from New Road to the Brinton Park showground."

Prize money of £75 will be awarded to each winner in the categories for best sports/social/club/pub float; best youth organisation, best commercial float and best charity float.

There will also be a prize of £30 to the best trolley float and £20 to the best vintage/classic vehicle -pre-1970.

As many floats as possible are needed to keep the event a colourful spectacle for the large crowds that line the route, both enjoying the parade and giving generously to the street collection, which raises about £1,000 each year for charity.

The best decorated pedestrian adult wins £20 and the best decorated pedestrian children's entry wins £15.

Mr Ness said: "We are always keen to attract as many floats as possible but for those whose organisations - voluntary or commercial - think it is too much to organise, we would like to encourage them to enter as pedestrians, walking in the parade in fancy dress or even just wearing their corporate uniform and helping to collect cash on the way."

The parade heralds the start of the carnival and money collected en route this year will go to the Shuttle/Times & News Operation Covert appeal to build a new Scout centre at the Rhydd Covert campsite.

There is a £10 entry fee for floats but pedestrians, trolley floats, vintage cars and motorcycles can enter free of charge. For further details and an application form, contact Mr Ness on 01562 749910.

Meanwhile, voluntary community and charity groups are being encouraged to raise money for themselves and boost their profile by having a stall at the carnival, with a £7.50 discount on the £17.50 charge for a 15ft pitch. Stallholders who are simply giving information can have a pitch free of charge.

Commercial organisations are welcome to have stalls and those who need more than 15ft of space can rent larger areas.

Carnival chairman, Colin Hill, said: "We aim to cater for a variety of tastes with the entertainment we provide on the day, ranging from horticultural displays to children's magic shows."

To book a pitch contact Mr Hill on 01562 751634.