Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club is preparing to head for Bridgewater after being invited to take part in this year’s illuminated carnival. The club said it was ‘proud’ to have been asked to attend.

The town’s float, Car Wash, has been invited to play with the big boys at Bridgewater carnival on November 5.

Budleigh Carnival Club treasurer Julie Meredith said the town was honoured to receive the invitation.

She said traditionally Bridgewater carnival floats were more than double the size of Budleigh’s entry – which is why the town’s carnival club considered the opportunity such a privilege.

She said the club had taken part in the prestigious carnival once before with their float Showbiz Sparkle.

Julie said: “We are really very proud to be going to Bridgewater carnival. It’s one of the best events to go to.

“I can’t describe it. You just feel very proud to be in it. It’s a lovely feeling.

“It’s a bit of a special thing letting us go, because we are a bit too small.

“Everyone on our float is excited to be going. Bridgwater carnival is like the icing on the cake.

“When we went with Showbiz Sparkle they were lovely, they treated us exactly like the big floats.

“We were a bit nervous because of the size we are.

“We went up early in the morning the whole town was geared up to carnival. It’s amazing.

“Last year we were too late with our entry so they said would we like to come on the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes float.

“We had to stand still for two hours, guarding the tower.”

Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club, which ploughs any money it makes into local causes, is also keeping its fingers crossed for its entry in Honiton carnival on October 23 and Ottery St Mary carnival on October 30.

Julie said the aim of the entry was not to win prizes, but for the children who took part.

She said keen club member Ella Bond, 16, had been forced to miss Exmouth carnival last weekend because she was in hospital having her appendix removed.

Julie said: “We wish her a speedy recovery. She’s a great kid – the life and soul.”

The club, which keeps float costs to a minimum, is currently trying to fund the expense of buying a new generator - costing between�2-�3,000 – after the existing equipment failed at Exmouth carnival.

• Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club is holding a car treasure hunt at 2pm on Saturday October 23 from the football club, in Greenway Lane. Entry is �5 a car. The event has been organised by Chris and Sarah Coles. All welcome.

• The club’s annual pantomime is being held on January 8 2011 in the Public Hall. Wonder Productions will for one night only perform Aladdin. Tickets are �9 for adults, �7 for children and OAPs.

Pre-book tickets calling Julie Meredith (01395) 442067