THREE local charities started their new year with a present from Worcester Carnival.

New Hope, Headway Worcester and Acorns Children’s Hospice received cheques for £576.38 each, raised form donations made via bucket collections on Carnival Day, July 1 2017.

The charities welcomed Worcester Carnival queen, Katie Cooper, princess Jessica Pinches and carnival president Cllr Alan Feeney to receive the donations and to learn more about the services they provide.

Cllr Feeney said; “It felt wonderful seeing the looks of gratitude on the faces of the teams we visited.

"It may not seem a huge amount, but they all knew exactly how to use the donations to get the most out of them.

"This will definitely make a difference, and I want to pay tribute to the life-changing work these charities do.

"I am also incredibly grateful to the people of Worcester who donated to the bucket collections. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Carnival organisers have decided to support a single charity next year, and are welcoming expressions of interest from local organisations.

Carnival chairman, Malvin Hobbs said “There are so many wonderful groups in Worcester, so rather than simply going with our personal favourites, we’d rather hear from local charities, especially those smaller organisations who often get overlooked.

"Next year’s carnival is going to be even bigger and better, so we are looking forward to giving a game-changing sum to the chosen charity.”

Worcester Carnival is back on July 7 2018, with a theme of Film and Television.

To get involved, register interest as a nominated charity or for any other queries, contact carnival secretary, Christine King at info@worcester-carnival.co.uk.