THE once-popular carnival in the twin towns of Malton and Norton could be revived if an ambitious plan by Norton's mayor, Coun Keith Mennell, becomes a reality.

The date of Saturday, June 8, has been ear-marked for the carnival procession which, in its heyday, was a mile and a half long, said Coun Mennell.

The carnival was born out of the Queen's silver jubilee celebrations in 1977 and remained popular until about four years ago when it folded due to lack of support.

Now, believes Coun Mennell, it should be revived as part of the Queen's golden jubilee celebrations.

He is now exploring the potential support for the carnival after the setting up of a golden jubilee working party which includes representatives of Norton College, the town's primary school and several organisations. Its members decided that the carnival should be revived as part of the Queen's jubilee celebrations in June.

The original carnival lasted for between two and three weeks, with a catalogue of events including a donkey derby, raft race, fun run, children's sports, and flower festival with civic services in the two parish churches.

"I am sure we could successfully revive the carnival if we can get the support of businesses and organisations in the two towns," said Coun Mennell. "It would be of considerable economic benefit to both towns, bringing in people from a wide area."

Coun Mennell added that he would like to hear from anyone who has any ideas or can help in any way. He can be contacted on (01653) 696386.

The town mayor of Malton, Coun Jane Wilford said she welcomed the idea of the carnival's revival.

"Anything which is going to promote interest in our towns and vitality is to be welcomed. But it will mean a lot of hard work for a determined team of volunteers."

She said that while no formal approach had yet been made by Norton Town Council on the issue, she hoped an approach would be made to enable the matter to be aired by other councillors. "It is an excellent idea and I wish it every success," added Coun Wilford.

Ian Beecham, former president of the Chamber of Trade in Norton and Malton and a member of the working party, said: "I think the idea of reviving the carnival is excellent. It will stimulate community spirit and after a lapse of so many years I believe the time is right to bring it back again. It will certainly help local businesses, based on its success when it was run previously."

The carnival procession, the highlight of the festival, made its way through both Malton and Norton, sometimes with as many as 40 floats, said Mr Beecham.

Tom Jones, who organised the carnival for 15 years, was enthusiastic about its revival.

"I think it can once again be a success," he said. He added that a special committee needed to be set up to win sponsorship and support from traders, organisations and the public.

He believed a Carnival Queen competition should be run with the winner to head the procession. Other ideas include having several categories including one for neighbouring villages to enter floats.

But because there are now no funds - the balance was distributed to charities after the carnival folded in 1998 - the new organisers would have to "start from scratch".

"But," said Mr Jones, "I believe there is the enthusiasm within Norton and Malton to bring about the carnival once again."

Mr Jones said the revival of the It's a Knockout among pubs in the two towns could once again be a big attraction.

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, February 07, 2002