Canvey carnival is back, after an 11-year absence.

Residents and councillors have swung into action to kickstart the carnival, which was shelved in 2000 after 75 years.

A carnival committee has been formed and a date, Saturday, August 6, has been set for the event.

Canvey councillor Jan Payne said she and fellow councillor Joan Liddiard had been inspired to start up the carnival again after a visit to Southend’s popular event.

At Southend Carnival last year, they put in a float which had a replica of the Dutch Cottage, made from a cardboard box, and a beach with paddling pool, created from papier-mache.

Mrs Payne said she remembered making floats for carnivals in the borough when she was young.

She added: “I always knew it was carnival time because my mum would give me white tissues and a pack of floristry wire and say I could make some flowers.

“We used to make flags and all sorts for the floats.

“We would have a float dressed up for about six weeks and every Saturday it would be at a different place.”

The organisers are hoping to take the procession through the centre of Canvey and end it near the seafront, where the town council will hold a summer fun day at the same time.

Zoe Watson, chairman of the Canvey carnival committee and a former Wickford junior carnival queen, said the response from islanders had been positive.

She added: “Everybody we have spoken to so far has been really enthusiastic. Local Scout groups want to get involved – people are really quite for it.

“Our biggest hurdle right now is money for general expenditure, advertising and insurance.

“We are doing some doorknocking with local businesses and traders.”

To help out with the carnival or offer sponsorship, e-mail canveycarnival@hotmail.co.uk