OOMPA Loompas, giant Wonka bars and even Willy Wonka himself will be all aboard Headway Worcestershire's float at this year's carnival.

Day centre members and volunteers at the charity, which looks after people with brain injuries, are enjoying attention from people living near to their base in Gregory Mill Street as their float for Worcester Carnival begins to take shape.

After being selected as the carnival’s charity of the year, the news spread quickly amongst the supporters, members and staff.

Lyn Hughes, outreach manager at Headway, said: “Everybody got excited about this opportunity and wanted to get involved straight away.

"Those attending the day service have been creating giant sweets, the Wonka factory gates and much more.

“We came up with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme as we wanted this year’s carnival to be more vibrant than ever, especially since we are leading it."

They have been working tirelessly for over two months to create decorative items in their arts and crafts and their woodwork sessions.

The float will feature a giant Candy Cane arch, the iconic family bed scene from the film, the Wonka Factory gates as well as the beloved characters.

Julia Protesaru, fundraiser at Headway, said: “The local community has helped us a lot, both through donations to buy materials for construction, as well as through donating their time to come and work on the float and be part of the parade.

"People have donated a lot of objects, from paint and a sound system to a sweets cart and a bed frame for the float.

"We are extremely grateful to see the local community coming together towards our cause, and we cannot wait to parade through Worcester.

"Let’s just hope for good weather.”

Apart from the float, the organisation also has a walking group formed of supporters dressed as Oompa Loompas and Wonka Bars. Anybody can take part in the walking group.

Anyone who would like to volunteer on the day of the parade or would like to be involved in the walking groups should contact Julia on fundraising@hwtl.org.uk.

This year's carnival takes place on Sunday, August 28 through the city centre and anyone who wishes to take part should contact malvin.hobbs@worcesterandmalverncarnival.co.uk.

* Headway Worcestershire is celebrating the entire month of August through a Golden Ticket Raffle where people can win tickets to the West Midlands Safari park, Cadbury World, Sandcastle Water Park and more places.

People can purchase tickets between August 1 to 28 from the two charity shops in Worcester or, on the day of the carnival, from Headway’s stall.

The day is ending with a barbecue thrown in Headway’s aid by the New Inn in Claines on Ombersley Road as well as other fundraising stalls.