IT'S carnival season across South Essex communities and the Stanford and Corringham Carnival team have made a great start by winning first prize for their float in the weekend's Witham carnival.

However, they haven't got time to celebrate as plans are being made for the return of this year's event in the two local towns.

This year's carnival, which offers support for local charities, will return after an absence because of the pandemic on Saturday, 27 August.

Last year, despite not having a prcoession, the carnival team still managed to raise £7,500 for good causes.

This year's fundraising parade will be leaving the Shell Park area in Corringham at around 1.30pm, wending its way through Corringham and then arriving in Stanford-le-Hope at the Mobil Field on Billet lane at around 4pm.

The field will be playing host to stalls and food outlets and offering entertainment from around noon for those waiting for the procession to arrive.