A HUSBAND and wife who have been dedicated to helping raise money for patient care in Bromsgrove's hospitals for 37 years have been rewarded by being chosen to lead this year's carnival procession.

Mike and Cecily Lunn, from Marlbrook, are both involved in the fundraising organisation The Friends of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital which decides how cash raised from carnival events is spent.

Michael is currently vice-chairman and Cecily was its secretary for 23 years before being made chairman.

In 1995 ill-health forced her to give up the post and she then became vice-president. Both are in their late 70s.

Mike said: "We are delighted to have been asked and are looking forward to riding in the car at the head of the procession on Saturday June 30."

A lack of interest in recent years has forced the committee to drop the tradition of having a carnival queen.

The carnival committee appealed this week for more marshals and organisations willing to lend "walkie talkie" radios for use on carnival day, because, for the first time, police will not be on hand to control traffic.

For more information call Jeff or Julie Evans on (01527) 576251.