MALDON Carnival has been saved after a dozen volunteers stepped up days after its future was plunged into doubt.

Last month it was announced the annual event would not go ahead in 2017 after a desperate plea from organisers went unanswered.

It would have been the first time in 66 years there has not been a carnival procession through the town and the first time in the carnival’s history there has not been a baby show.

But following a last ditch meeting yesterday a new committee of 12 volunteers has been formed.

The team will now work together to draw up a list of events for this year.

Rob Slight, public relations manager, said: “The idea is to totally rebrand it, not necessarily scrap all the old stuff but there needs to be new ideas.

“The courts, carnival week and processions may be changed and updated and we will try and make it a bit more modern.

“They have all got different ideas and we will sit down next week.”

Mr Slight said the next step was to work out what they could feasibly achieve for this year.

Gemma Francis, who runs Big Sing choir in the town, has stepped up to join the committee.

She said: “Maldon is my home town and I have always been part of the carnival from the age of five.

“It is a tradition that Maldon needs to keep – it brings lots of people into the town and it is a real day for the community.

“When I saw the carnival wasn’t going to happen I was really shocked. I spoke to the choir about it and said we can’t let this happen.

“Big Sing has been part of the carnival for years.”

Gemma attended the meeting with ten singers from the choir.

She hopes the newly appointed members will help breathe new life into the carnival.

“I think the people who ran it before did a great job,” she said.

“It now needs a modern twist – something that appeals to everybody.

“We need to rebrand it and give it a fresh approach.”