AN open day to come up with ideas for the 30th annual Darlington Community Carnival is to be held for the volunteers who work to make the event a success.

Volunteers and group leaders can attend a drop-in day at Darlington Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm.

Artists Shirley Wells and Ben Reche will be on hand to help volunteers come up with ideas for the carnival’s theme, which this year will be the Olympics.

Ms Wells and Mr Reche have been chosen to work with schools and community groups across the town to help make a wide range of costumes, sculptures and banners for the carnival parade through the town centre.

The open day on Saturday will be a chance for volunteers to plan their input and put forward their ideas before the arts workshops start on Tuesday, May 29.

The Community Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 30, between 11am and 5pm, at Stanhope Park, with the parade leaving the park to go through the town centre at noon.

Street artists will line the parade route and local dancers and musicians will also be involved.

Carnival organiser Jackie Maddison said: “This is a great opportunity for new volunteers to find out what they can contribute towards producing a great event. No special skills are needed as the artists will provide plenty of support and encouragement”.

All proceeds raised at the event this year will be donated to the Samaritans.

For more information call Councillor Maddison on 01325-253686.