CARNIVAL time could be returning to Rayleigh next year - after an absence of more than 50 years.

The town's chamber of trade and commerce is hoping to revive the old tradition in an effort to bring more shoppers and visitors to the town.

The chamber's vice-president Edward Byford said: "Things are very much in the embryonic stage at the moment.

"The chamber is very keen on the idea to encourage people to come to Rayleigh and provide another community event in the town."

He said the crowds who came along at Christmas to see the switch-on of the festive lights showed there was an interest in having more large community events, and had encouraged the organisation to consider reintroducing the carnival.

Mr Byford said Rayleigh Primary School was also interested in getting involved in the event when details became clearer.

He said: "At the moment, there is a lot more work to do, but we are hopeful an event can be organised for summer next year."

The old Rayleigh Carnival was once the social highlight of the year, with thousands of people turning out to watch the procession in the High Street.

The procession was often followed by sports, a children's fancy dress competition and a gymkhana at King George V playing field, in Eastwood Road.

However, a lack of volunteers for the carnival committee eventually brought it to an end.

Rayleigh continued to run a town show, with marquees for organisations and businesses and arena events at King George V field, for several years during the 1960s and early 1970s.