THE future of Andover Carnival is secure following a merger with the Andover Show which will see a festival weekend held in the town next June.

Carnival organisers Andover Round Table put on the biggest and best event ever in the town last year but continued to suffer financial and organisational difficulties which saw the 2000 event cancelled.

Reluctantly the Round Table made the decision to no longer be involved and the carnival was at risk of collapse.

But six members of the old committee got together and asked And-over Lions Club to front the event.

Ian Horsfield, Andover Lions Club secretary said: "Our aim is to make an event which is bigger and more popular than the sum of two parts.

"I believe we can make it work by working together.

"We'd like to see the profile of Andover raised. This could even lead to more cultural and social events like the old Andover Festival."

Funds raised at the event are expected to be donated to one yet-to-be-decided major local charity and donations made to smaller independent local causes.

The festival weekend will be held on 28 and 29 June.

It is hoped the carnival route can be altered to end at the show field on the Walworth Industrial Estate where a fair could also be held. A theme for the weekend is yet to be decided.