AMBITIOUS plans to extend the carnival in Calne from one day to a week-long event were revealed to residents in a mail drop last week.

Organisers said the aim of the carnival week, which starts on June 7, is to encourage community spirit and create a party-like atmosphere in the town.

Organisers are confident the colourful programme of events will keep the town buzzing with excitement in the lead up to the traditional procession of decorated themed floats at the end of the week.

Highlights of the programme of events include a special teddy bears' picnic on the Green which runs from from 3pm to 5pm on June 8 as part of a day for families.

Invitations will be sent to residents encouraging them to bring their children and teddy bears together with a picnic to the site.

There will be a teddy bears' parachute jump off St Mary's Church Tower at 2pm on the same day and organisers are hoping to have a Punch and Judy show.

The carnival committee said the aim of the afternoon is to create a village fete atmosphere, which will focus on children's entertainment.

TK Tackle, in London Road, has arranged an angling competition on June 7 and there will be a dance in the town hall at 7.30pm on June 10.

Carnival committee Jill Martin, said: "Last year's carnival and Christmas celebrations were really successful and so many people turned out to support their community and local businesses.

"Newcomers to the town said nothing like this happened where they came from.

"Too many times we hear 'nothing ever happens in Calne,' but what a contrast to the views of newcomers.

"Perhaps we don't give ourselves enough credit for what we achieve.

"This is why we have planned a week's programme of activities to try to involve all organisations, businesses, schools and age groups in the carnival, and create something for everyone, whatever their particular interest."

Mrs Martin said the reason for extending the carnival was to make the event more inclusive for more people and to build an atmosphere of excitement in the town before the climax of the procession.

But she said there was still enough room in the programme for more events and she appealed to residents and businesses to contact her with any ideas or offers of support.

The programme however, will also include something for the very youngest members of the community.

There will be a baby competition on June 1.

Entrants will be asked to take a picture of their baby, which will be allocated a number and displayed on a board in Bank House.

Townspeople will be invited to vote for the winning baby, which will be announced at the carnival fete on June 14.

For more information contact Mrs Martin on (01249) 812941.