ONLY weeks after holding one of its most successful carnivals ever Seaham Town Council is already planning next year's event.

The 2003 annual event, held at the end of July, attracted more than 15,000 people.

Following a review of the carnival, the council revealed that it had cost £12,202, but was satisfied it was a resounding success.

It had, said a council spokesman, met all the authority's objectives of a no entry charge policy, all-round family entertainment and provision for community groups to raise their profile and money.

In view of the success, members of the council along with officers are now well on the way to planning next year's one-day carnival, which will be held on Sunday, July 25.