Thousands line the streets for carnival

9:09am Sunday 13th July 2008

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HUNDREDS of children and their parents took part in a carnival aimed at highlighting the importance of being environmentally friendly.

Amersham New Town was taken over yesterday as different organisations took to the streets to take part in the event which saw an estimated 7,000 people show up.

The Earth Friendly Carnival, which was organised by the Amersham Round Table, started with a parade through the town.

It began in King George V Road, travelling along Chiltern Avenue and Hill Avenue before finishing at the King George V Sports Field.

Hundreds lined the streets to watch the parade, which was led by drummers and dignitaries, including Amersham Mayor Martin King.

Behind him were children from a number of different groups in the area.

The majority of them were dressed up to symbolise a certain cause which they were championing, including saving endangered turtles and the importance of recycling Once the parade was finished, there was a fun-day on the sports field.

There was a funhouse, fair ground stalls, bouncy castles and football to occupy the children.

And a number of organisations in the area also had stalls at the event.

Mayor King said: "The effort has been fantastic. It has been very good.

"It is letting the youngsters hear that recycling is important and not to be wasteful."

The Round Table has been holding the carnival, which started as a donkey derby, for decades.

Steven Carr, carnival committee chairman for the group, said: "These events keep the community together. Sometimes events can diminish with time but it has been a success.

"There is around 7,000 people here and that has definitely broken all records."

The new Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance helicopter flew over the event to thank the Round Table for its support and fundraising in the past few years.

Pat Conafray, income development manager for the air ambulance, said: "Without events like these it would be hard to keep the air ambulance going.

"These go along way to fund it. We need £150,000 a month just for our area. It is all public money, donations and sales of items."