IN response to Gillian Jackson’s letter about Darlington carnival (HAS, June 29), I am writing on behalf of Family Help (Darlington’s women’s refuge).

We would like to thank the carnival committee for its skills and dedication in once again organising the event.

Over many years we have had a stall at the carnival which has cost us £10 for the site and £2 per table hired: this year our costs were £14.

As well as fund-raising for our charity’s work, we also raise awareness of the issues of domestic abuse and of our available services. We find this a wonderful way of reaching out into the community in an informal manner.

As an aside, if the groups taking part were to discuss in advance what they were going to sell on their stalls then we may not have so much duplication.

This would create a better choice. We really need to start thinking about what the public would like to buy.

Susan Degnan, Darlington.