SIR,

You did it again, what a Carnival!

Who says we need the London Olympics to inspire volunteers? Monmouth has proved again that we are creative, community spirited and even a bit competitive.

The Festival Committee and its Carnival Group want to thank not only those who took part in the procession, but everyone who made it happen: the Priory team and the vicar of St Mary's, Robert and Tristan at the TIC, Nick and Andy at the Leisure Centre and of course, our fantastic, faithful Town Band.

The Rotarians not only entered a great float, but helped ensure the safety of the crowds by being marshalls too.

The PCSOs were sorting potential problems from very early morning and continued all day to maintain the feeling of fun in the sun and noise.

The Firemen and St John's Ambulance played their essential parts. Having the freedom of our main streets without traffic took a lot of planning and hard work on the day.

We'd like to thank everyone who got delayed in their car journey through the diversions for their patience.

Lucy Howells really did epitomise the 'Spirit of Monmouth Carnival' and we'd like to thank Brian Cox for chauffeuring her in his rich red Riley and Emma for the beautiful sunshine bouquet.

Meanwhile, Rudolph Griffiths kindly drove the judges, Anne and Stuart McFarlane (possibly the bravest people of all) in his lovely Austin Six.

To everyone who made the colossal effort to create their Carnival entry, we say thank you, for your time, your inventiveness and your faith in the weather.

Be assured, whether you won a prize or not, the effort was worth it. People from all over the country came up to us during the day to make that very clear. Thank you all. Enjoy the rest of the festival.

Festival Committee, Carnival Group