IT MAY be dark and cold outside, but carnival organisers are already gearing up for this year's colourful event.

The Shildon Carnival Working Party is asking local groups to help raise funds for this year's gala or to assist in organising the event, which will take place in June.

Last year's carnival was one of the most successful in recent history, but cost £5,800 to stage.

Similar funds will need to be raised this year.

Flo McCall, from the Shildon Centre, said: "Groups or organisations may be interested in putting on a fundraising event before the carnival, or take the opportunity to hold a table-top stall at the carnival to raise funds for your group.

"This would still be supporting the carnival, because fees from the stalls go into putting on next year's event."

If you would like to support the carnival in some way, contact Flo McCall at the Shildon Centre, on (01388) 777948