Visitors to tomorrow's Ashburton carnival procession can be sure of a warm welcome according to portreeve William Shapley, a man who moved to the town 40 years ago 'by mistake' and who has vowed to never leave.

The procession starts at 6.30pm and will make its way through the historic stannary town, complete with a new carriage for carnival queen, 12-year-old Regan Robinson, to ride in.

Mr Shapley, the latest person to hold the 1,191-year-old office, will also be sporting his red cloak and new tricorn hat, bought for him by the Lord of the Borough, mayor Cllr Donald Distin.

He cannot wait for the festivities.

'It's the one night of the year you can walk through town and guarantee you'll see everyone you know, it's quite fantastic,' said Mr Shapley.

'I'm sure we'll have lots of visitors too, Ashburton is such a warm and vibrant town.

'I came here 40 years ago by mistake after selling a house in Newton Abbot and then having a house purchase in Cornwall fall through.

'I moaned about coming here at first but now I'd never leave. And to be made portreeve, and my wife Janet, portraveene, well it's the greatest honour a community can give anyone.'

Before tomorrow's big day plenty of townsfolk are hoping for a big night tonight with a party in the park at the recreation ground.

The carnival spirit was sparked into life on Saturday at the fete during which queen Regan was crowned by Mr Shapley.

'It was a lovely event, really well attended and the sun shone,' he said.