THOUSANDS of pounds raised by Clacton Carnival has been handed out to good causes.

Donations totalling £7,343 were given to 35 charities and organisations at a presentation evening at Alton Park Junior School.

The cheques were presented by carnival queen Louise Primmer and princesses Hannah Elborn and Kaycie Fraser.

Pauline Mann, of main charity, the Hospital Hopper bus, was given a cheque for £2,500, to maintain the vital service, which takes patients who are unable to use public transport to hospital appointments.

Other cheques ranging from £75 to £500 were presented to the many groups which volunteered to help with the running of the carnival, either by marshalling at the procession or manning stalls at events.

The 1st Clacton Scouts received £568 - their 50 per cent share of barbecues they held at three outdoor

carnival events.

Alton Park Junior School caretaker Michael Bright received the Alan Wiggins MBE Memorial Award for his outstanding help and a £100 cheque for his nominated charity - Seaside Care Homes.

Carnival chairman Paul Townend thanked all the sponsors and everyone for their support and help.

He said: “Without them, Clacton Carnival week just would not happen.”