A RENEWED sense of optimism was felt at the Pewsey Carnival's annual general meeting after organisers said they are hopeful of providing donations for charities and local causes.

Nearly 50 locals poured into the Foresters Hall at the Royal Oak on Thursday night for the carnival's AGM meeting, which was brought forward from April to give them more preparation time, to discuss their finances, donations to charities, events and the roles that needed to be filled.

At last year's carnival, there was no cash left for charity donations as the costs to clean up the 2015 event spiralled out of control.

However Nick Wood, one of the directors, said that the board was very hopeful that charities and local causes could receive donations this year.

"Overall it was quite a positive meeting and there is a lot of optimism and excitement about this year's event already," said Mr Wood.

"We are having a directors meeting on March 13 to discuss the finances in detail and look at charity donations but we are hopeful that we can deliver this time round.

"A lot of the money that we get comes from Cossor's Shop, which has turned its fortunes around. They have been instrumental in helping us in the past. We have also managed our finances better so things are looking up.

At present, seven people are on the board of directors for the carnival, however Mr Wood gave a desperate plea for more people to help out, to allow the carnival to run more smoothly.

"This really is a cry for help. We need people to help out as much as possible to make this fantastic event as spectacular as possible," he said.

"We need marshals, events planners, people on the finance team and someone to usher the Royal Family around to events, among other things."

One person that did resign from the board was Derek Drewitt, who has helped organise the carnival for decades.

"He has served the carnival brilliantly for donkey's years and has been a huge asset to the village with his superb contribution," said Mr Wood.

"It was really great to work with him. He was so committed to making this event the best it could possibly be and we thank him for that.

"We are very lucky that we had an understudy that has been taught well and he will try and carry on his mantle."

For more information visit http://www.pewsey-carnival.org.uk/