AN air of excitement is building in Stourport as the town prepares to stage its 75th carnival next month.

Carnival publicity officer Pete Roberts said he was delighted at the "anticipation" of townsfolk as he puts the finishing touches to preparations for the event, which is being held over two days for the first time on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3.

However, Mr Roberts is still ensuring there will be some elements of surprise come the big occasion.

He said: "This year the theme for the carnival queen's float, which is being prepared by Stourport Business Association, is a closely guarded secret and nobody is going to find out until the big day."

He added: "Stourport Yacht Club has told me there are more entries in the two river parades than ever before and boats are coming from as far away as Bristol.

"The business association is also sponsoring a £50 prize for the best dressed shop window in the town centre during carnival week. They will all be dressed with a millennium theme."

Mr Roberts said he was only 10 to 15 names short of completing his roll of honour of all previous carnival kings and queens to feature in this year's programme.

He added: "It's been fascinating listening to people. I have discovered all the queens between 1925 and 1930 were men dressed as women and I have also heard from the first queen after the Second World War."

There are still a few trade stands left for the event on both days, and the carnival programme, produced by the Shuttle/Times & News, is now available in town shops.

For parade entry forms call in at Pete's Prints in Bridge Street, Stourport, or call 01562 66642.