NEXT year's Bridport Carnival procession has been given the green light but organisers will need to pay £1,500 for a road closure.

This year, arrangements between Highways England, Connect, Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council, Dorset Police and Bridport Town Council meant the procession could go ahead by crossing the A35 at the Crown roundabout.

The organisations have given the go-ahead for next year's procession, but the Bridport Carnival committee will need to pay £1,500 for staffing and road closure regulations. This year, the costs were paid by Highways England and Connect and organisers are now appealing for sponsorship to cover the costs.

Next year's Bridport Carnival and torchlight procession will take place on August 20 and August 21.

Bridport Carnival secretary Joyce Dunford, said: "The committee would like to thank the organisations for all the help and co-operation they received for both the carnival and torchlight processions this year, enabling the procession to go ahead at short notice.

"This year these costs were borne by Highways England and Connect, for which the carnival committee is extremely grateful.

"It would be really helpful and appreciated if sponsorship could be found to cover this cost. The committee would be happy to consider sponsorship in smaller sums."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Bridport Carnival procession should contact Joyce Dunford at A.G. Down, 66 South Street, Bridport.

Organisers have hailed this year's misplaced article competition as the best ever. The event, organised by Betty Scadding, saw an out of place items left in the window of participating businesses in the town.

Mrs Dunford said: "More shops than ever joined in making it more challenging for competitors to find the items placed in that shop.

"Competitors were not daunted by the increase in shops taking part as it was the highest entrance ever. Mainly it was local businesses taking part, so it is worthwhile to support these shops throughout the year."

Helen Purdom was named winner of the over 16 age group, while Grace Barnard won the under 16 category. Both winners will receive a £20 prize.

Gemma's Flower Shop in East Street was named best shop entry.

Those wishing to attend the presentation of donations to the beneficiaries will be welcome on November 22 at the Conservative Club, North Street, Bridport at 7pm. Anyone interested in joining the committee can also attend the presentation.