A TALENTED youngster will proudly ride on the back of the fire service float as Colchester Carnival returns after winning a safety poster competition.

Maddison Shellum, ten, was chosen as the winner of the contest which saw youngsters under twelve draw up posters about how to stay safe.

With the help of Impact Signs in Stanway, Maddison's entry has been blown up and will take be displayed on the float on Saturday.

Maddison herself will also ride on the float.

Firefighter Mick Rogers said: "We wanted something which covered everything - she got so many different elements in.

"All we have done is put a different background on it but the main part of the banner is all her design."

The popular carnival is returning following a two-year break after firefighters, some of the previous organisers and other individuals with business and events experience joined forces to form the new Colchester Carnival Committee.

The procession starts from Abbey Fields at 6pm and will head along Circular Road North, Circular Road West, Butt Road and Head Street before finishing in the High Street.

Mr Rogers added: "A lot of people have worked really hard - we have never done anything like this before - but we are hoping to bring the carnival back to what it was a few years ago."