ONE of Hampshire's oldest carnivals will hit the streets again today.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out to watch a colourful collection of floats make its way through Totton and Eling.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the carnival's short-term future has been secured by a sponsorship deal signed last year.

Totton College, which sponsored the annual crowd-pleaser for the first time in 2017, agreed to back the event for a further three years.

A college spokesman said: "The carnival was first run more than 100 years ago and helps to raise money for local causes.

"It was previously under threat due to a lack of community support and funding to help pay for insurance, medical cover and security costs.

"Having heard about the plight of the organisers, Totton College has agreed to a £5,000 deal that will see it become the main sponsor."

This year's carnival will be opened at Eling Recreation Ground at 1.30pm.

The site, which is also the home of the annual Eling Donkey Derby, will host 30 stalls and arena displays, with the Redbridge Cheerleaders and Winchester Ukelele Band among the groups taking part.

The carnival procession will leave Calmore Industrial Estate at 4pm and make its way to the recreation ground, arriving at around 5pm.

The route will include Salisbury Road, Ringwood Road, Maynard Road, Rumbridge Street and Rose Road. Streets will be closed from 3.55pm, reopening as the parade passes.

Cllr Neville Penman, a member of Totton and Eling Town Council, will judge the carnival floats.