IT IS full steam ahead for this summer’s Accrington Carnival after organisers secured a vital sponsorship deal.

North Lancs Training Group and the Accrington Lions have struck a deal which will see the training provider become the June event’s main sponsor.

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Lions president Tracy Simmonds said: “If we did not have a main sponsor, there is too much cost involved in putting the carnival on.

“It is free this year for the first time ever so there is no revenue coming in on the gate. And all the money raised goes back into the community.

“North Lancs Training Group has sponsored us before but this is the first time in six years. It’s good to have them on board again.”

Tracy said she wrote to the training provider to tell them the Lions’ plans for this year’s carnival.

She said: “They are going to use it as a team building exercise and it’s a time when the whole business comes together and everybody gets involved.”

On Monday, North Lancs Training Group’s managing director Jim Harkness handed over a cheque for £3,500.

It is the fourth time the group has backed the carnival, having previously sponsored the event in 2005, 2007, and 2009.

Mr Harkness said: “ It’s even more critical for us to support the carnival, the local community and the people of Hyndburn given lack of other sponsors involved.

“We look forward to a great day on Saturday, June 13 with wonderful weather and hopefully putting smiles on people’s faces through their enjoyment of the carnival.”

This year’s field events will be held at King George’s Playing Fields, Royds Avenue.

A procession will also start at 11am from the Globe Centre, and will head down Eagle Street, Blackburn Road, past the town hall, right into Plantation Street and ending in Park Street.

Visit: www.accringtoncarnival.co.uk to apply to take part.

There are still other sponsorship opportunities available too.

Call Tracy on 07971 772168 for more information.