THE efforts of volunteers who helped put on Taunton Carnival and two running events resulted in over £8,600 being handed over to local charities.

Donations of £2,500 each were made to the County Gazette-backed cancer charity SURE and Taunton Samaritans by members of Taunton Carnival Committee.

A further £1,233 went to David Fothergill’s Somerset County Council’s Chairman’s charities.

And there were also cash awards to Generations Carnival Club, St John Ambulance, Staplegrove Scouts, Central Taunton Scouts, West Monkton Scouts, Blackbrook Guides, Taunton Ranger Guides, Bishops Hull ACF, 41 Sqdr (Taunton) ATC, Taunton Sea Cadets, Taunton Athletic Club and Running Forever Running Club.

At the presentation evening at the Albemarle Centre, Taunton, Taunton Carnival Committee chairman Marilyn House outlined the year’s activities and the support of volunteers and organisations that allowed the Taunton Marathon and Half Marathon, Taunton 10k and Taunton Carnival to take place.

Mrs House said: “Our philosophy is to use money collected locally to support local organisations wherever we can.”

Carnival secretary John Lewis made a special presentation to mark Adrian Gridley’s retirement as event planning officer for Avon and Somerset Police.

Mr Lewis said: “Adrian’s contribution to carnival and our other major events over many years has been enthusiastic and professional.

“His efforts were always aimed at helping us deliver safe events for the public. The whole Carnival community across Somerset will miss him.”