An Exmouth father is asking local businesses to help provide a carnival float for the Exmouth royal family.

Tony Browne was delighted when his daughters Chloe, 12, and Jamie-Leigh, 10, were named as queen and princess for this year’s carnival parade.

However, he was disappointed to find out that, because the carnival committee had run low on funds, the traditional open-top float would be replaced by a car.

Determined that his daughters should have proper transportation, Tony, who runs A&A Garage Doors, is now attempting to get local businesses to sponsor the float, and provide the town with a fitting carnival centrepiece.

He said: “It’s great that my daughters were chosen to take part in the carnival, but riding in a car really isn’t the same as a float.

“I decided to try and use my company to sponsor the float, and thought it would be good if other local businesses could get involved by providing materials or finance.

“We’ve had some good feedback from a few companies, and it would be good if all the local businesses could pull together.”

Tony says that, when the float takes part in the parade, it will be flanked by people handing out flyers with the sponsors’ names on, so they will receive some advertising.

“I don’t think this sort of thing has been done by a group of companies before,” he added.

“I’ve been in touch with the carnival committee, and they are really excited that someone else is stepping in to try and raise the float money.”

Any businesses who would like to get involved with sponsoring the float can call Tony on (01395) 642642.