BRIDGWATER'S former mayoral couple raised money for Bridgwater Carnival to buy 140 flags to fly around the town.

Councillor Graham and Kay Granter, who picked Bridgwater Carnival as their chosen charity of the year as mayor and mayoress, raised enough money for the carnival to buy 140 4ft 6ins by 3ft flags with the carnival's logo printed on them.

Former president of the carnival, Chris Hocking, said: "We got the idea of using promotional flags when a group of carnivalites went to Viareggio Carnival in Italy earlier in the year.

"Graham and Kay were with us at the time and we all remarked on how the flags looked hanging and flying from all vantage points in the Italian streets and added so much atmosphere."

Mr Granter said: "We opted for the Bridgwater Carnival as our charity because it puts the town on the map and benefits the local economy all year.

"The flags are a wonderful idea and will enhance the impact of the town during the run up to the carnival celebrations."

The flags are available to buy from

www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk

for £10.