Newton Abbot Round Table has announced it will adopt Shopmobility as this year's official carnival charity, the news bringing with it the prospect of a second unexpected cash boost for the popular shopping mobility service this year.

Only last month the scheme faced closure when a replacement for the now expired Countryside Agency funding couldn't be found. Then the Mid-Devon Advertiser stepped in and helped to secure an 11th-hour £10,000 lifeline from supermarket firm Asda, which is moving into town next year

Shopmobility chairman Dudley Hambleton said: 'We're very grateful that the Round Table has decided to choose us as its charity this year and I can guarantee that every penny will be well spent helping us to maintain Newton Abbot's reputation as the number one destination for shoppers who need help with mobility.

'Last year the carnival procession raised around £2,000 and a similar amount would be a very welcome boost indeed.'

However, Mr Hambleton remains concerned that despite the generosity of the Tablers the funds required for desperately needed improvements to Shopmobility's besieged and cramped premises beneath the town's multi-storey car park to proceed remain inadequate.

'The money from the carnival will be jolly useful and I think I can probably raise another few thousand from other sources, such as the Rotary Club.

'But even when that is added to the £20,000 pledged by Devon County Council we're still shy of the £35,000 quoted for even the most modest improvement plans,' he said.

'What would be really useful now is for Teignbridge Council to realise it's their building we want to improve and offer to make up the shortfall.'

The Mid-Devon Advertiser has pledged to kickstart the carnival fund and is donating space within its pages to print the official entry forms and events listing.

The fun starts on Saturday, June 5 with the crowning of the carnival queen and a roll-a-dice competition in which competitors could win a new car.

The procession will be held a fortnight later, on Saturday, June 19, which, for the first time, will be an evening event commencing at 7.30.

The organisers are inviting more walking entries to help participants avoid the costs and difficulties of arranging floats. See next week's paper for the official entry form.