LAUNCESTON Carnival Committee is making good progress with planning this year's parade on Saturday, October 10.

This year will see not only new visiting bands taking part in the parade, but more of them, along with what is hoped to be more decorated floats.

There will be a 50/50 draw, with tickets now on sale from any committee member or from various shops in the town.

The draw will take place in the town square on carnival night by the newly crowned carnival queen. The committee is already receiving applications for the new carnival royalty competition, which will take place on Friday, July 24 at 6.30pm in the White Hart ballroom.

Entry forms for the royalty competition are available from the Tourist Information Centre or from the new look carnival website at http://www.launceston-carnival.co.uk">www.launceston-carnival.co.uk

The lucky chosen winners will all receive generous cash prizes, silver salvers and flowers on the night and will be officially crowned on carnival day. The 2015 /16 carnival royalty is being generously sponsored by Costa.

Dave Gordon, carnival chairman, told the Post: "Now is the time to start thinking about putting in an entry to carnival.

"Our new-look website gives anyone thinking of entering a carnival float, hints and tips on how to get started.

"Since carnival made its return in 2010, we have seen it grow in size and popularity year on year, with last year being the best yet, so we need groups of friends, schools, clubs, individuals and pubs to get together and start thinking on what they could enter in this year's parade."

Anyone interested in entering can either look on the carnival website, where they can download entry forms or enter online, or speak to one of the committee, who will be more than glad to offer advice.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.