THE new chairman of a popular annual carnival is urging community groups and businesses to get involved to ensure the future of the event.

Steve Rose, a former chief executive of Darlington Partnership, has taken on the role of chairman at Darlington Community Carnival after former chairwoman, Jackie Maddison, died last December following a short illness.

The 62-year-old councillor, who represented the Lascelles ward, had been involved with the carnival for more than 20 years and was the driving force behind the annual event.

Mr Rose said: “When Jackie died I wanted to help in any way I could. She was such a positive influence and losing her might jeopardise the carnival.

“But I thought surely as a community we could pull together to keep this wonderful event going strong.”

The annual carnival celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and this year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 29.

The theme is bridges and Mr Rose is urging people to get involved in the event, which he hopes will become showcase for arts in the community.

“We are trying to get people involved who wouldn’t normally take part,” he said. “We know the thing Jackie wanted most was for the carnival to continue and we want to carry on with her legacy.

“I have enjoyed the carnival for many years and would like to see it develop into an annual arts event, with the help of local businesses, schools, community groups and residents.

“I am urging anybody who wants to fundraise or design costumes, or volunteer on the day to get involved.”

Darlington Borough Councillor Paul Harman has also been appointed artistic director for the event.

He said: “As the Arts Centre has closed down, we will be opening a shop unit in the town centre where workshops will be held to give people somewhere they can go if they want to help create costumes.

“We are hoping the carnival will grow and develop over the years and that more groups will get involved and pass their skills onto other people.”

Anybody who would like to get involved is asked to call Mr Rose on 01325-252042 or email steve.rose13@ntlworld.com