NEWTON Abbot mayor, Cllr Carol Bunday, has spoken of her pride in the town after its staged the first carnival since the start of the pandemic.

She praised the many individuals who had worked hard behind the scenes, as well as those who turned out to support the week-long programme of events.

Cllr Bunday acknowledged that the reduced size of Saturday’s procession would have disappointed some people but said that should not be allowed to overshadow what had been an enjoyable carnival.

‘We had a lovely week, beginning of course with the crowning of our Carnival Queen and live music by the Clock Tower,’ she said.

‘Our evening events were very well attended and the family entertainments proved to be hugely popular with people mingling and staying around afterwards just to enjoy the atmosphere.

‘Yes, there were fewer floats than we would have liked but communities everywhere are still struggling to return to normality.

‘What I will say is a huge thank you to everyone who played their part and I’d urge more people to come forward and get involved, I’m proud of those who did so much to ensure its return.’

Cllr Bunday has also been representing the town at other events.

She attended a celebration of Rotary’s centenary, staged at Newton’s Place, oversaw prize giving at Stover School and opened a new multi-use games area at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre.

Cllr Bunday also made the trip to Exeter for the city’s first Lammas Fair in three years.

She was among the dignitaries taking part in the Lord Mayor’s procession of the Lammas Glove which involved a fanfare and mayoral proclamation.

‘It was a bit like our Court Leet with tradition in abundance and lots of people in robes,’ she said.

‘What an honour it was to represent Newton Abbot at such a prestigious ceremony.

‘And as for the Rotary celebration at Newton’s Place, it proved what a fantastic facility we have in our town and how its capable of staging really quite large events, it’s a real asset.’