TRURO Carnival's chairman is stepping down after nearly two years in charge of organising the event. Rachel Palmer said she was handing over the reins so she could spend more time with her family.

She will officially stand down at the carnival's annual meeting in February.

A statement from the committee said: "The Truro Carnival has grown in popularity and success in the past few years and this is down to the commitment and dedication of the members of the Truro Carnival Committee."

Miss Palmer said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairperson of the Truro Carnival Committee.

"I have always been passionate about the carnival and to be given the opportunity to lead the committee has been a fantastic experience.

"The carnival committee are a very dedicated group of people who work hard all year around to ensure that the carnival is the successful event people now expect it to be.

"I am standing down to spend more time with my family this year, but would encourage anyone who might be interested in getting involved in organising the carnival, either as chairman or just as a member of the committee, to come along to our open evening and have a chat about joining us."

The Truro Carnival Committee is organising a cheese and wine evening on November 8 at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.

The evening will be hosted by Truro Mayor Ron Cooke and include a presentation to the carnival's chosen charity this year, Ella's Memory, set up to raise money to improve the Daisy Suite for bereaved parents at Royal Cornwall Hospital.

The evening is open to everyone and anyone interested in joining the committee, becoming chairman or wanting more information about how to get involved.

For more information e-mail trurocarnival@yahoo.co.uk or call 07549 519628