VILLAGERS were celebrating today after two women stepped in at the last minute to save the popular Trimley Carnival.

The community event was plunged into doubt when its organisers decided to step down and called for younger people to take it on and inject new ideas.

A passionate plea for new organisers was sent out last week at the group’s annual presentation evening last week.

And now, events organiser Sharon Iannuzzi, of Daines Place in Trimley St Mary and her friend Michelle Wood have decided to take on the challenge.

Mrs Iannuzzi, 35, said: “Myself and my friend have lived in Trimley all our lives and we have grown up with the Trimley Carnival.

“It would have been such a shame for it to not happen because it is such a big part of Trimley life.

“We are really excited about it. We have done some largish fundraising events in Trimley before but we are really excited about taking on the carnival.”

John Sills, the former chairman of the carnival, added: “We are very happy that someone else can take it on – it’s very good.”

The poor weather and heavy rain forced the carnival, which raises charity funds every year, to be cancelled for the first time in its history this summer.

The new team are determined that it will ride again on July 13 next year.

But they are under no illusion as to the size of the task ahead of them with planning already nearly two months behind schedule.

Mrs Iannuzzi added: “I have got a small group of friends and people saying they want to join the committee so we will get together in the new year and start planning.

“It will be all systems go in January.”

Mrs Iannuzzi is now calling on businesses who would like to help sponsor the event, or a plaque, to come forward. She is also looking to find out more about the history of the carnival.

If you think you can help, call Mrs Iannuzzi on 07859015311.

? Are you happy the Trimley Carnival has been saved? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or you can e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk