VOLUNTEERS rallied to create a spectacular carnival float to parade Walton’s royal court around the district.

The former float, once used to carry Walton’s carnival queen and princesses in the town’s procession, was badly damaged in a fire.

It was stored in a farm barn in Old Hall Lane, which was destroyed in a huge blaze last year.

Carnival organisers issued a desperate plea for help in rebuilding the burnt out float.

In the end the family of carnival princess Felicity Divers stepped up in spectacular fashion.

Led by mum Sam, they stripped the wrecked float down to its shell and built it back up from scratch.

It was ready just in time to take Walton queen Jade Bigwood and princesses Madison Henderson and Felicity Divers to the Brightlingsea Carnival, where it won first prize.

The Walton Carnival procession will wind its way through the town from 2pm on August 16.

Anyone can take part in the procession – entry forms are available online at carnival-on-the-naze.spruz.com. They should be completed and posted or delivered to 34 Newgate Street, Walton, CO14 8AL.

Anyone interested in volunteering on the day get more information by calling 01255 852882.