Full steam ahead for this week's Torbay Carnival

Chairman Mike Bailey and his band of volunteers pulled out all the stops to ensure this year's Torbay Carnival Week goes ahead.
Mike has been faced with a series of challenges ensuring one of the main highlights of the Bay's summer calendar can celebrate what will be its 116th year.
At the top of the hurdles list has been rising costs with Mike still looking for sponsors.  Torquay businessman Martyn Strange has been thanked for saving music events on three nights with his last-minute support. 
He says: "Like other carnivals and events we have struggled to create something for 2024. The use of Paignton Green has been difficult this year due to the restriction on heavy equipment being allowed on Middle Green for any extended time.
"This is because of surface damage and long-term compaction which has caused an uneven surface and drainage problems as soon as it rains heavily for any length of time.
"This has thrown our original plans out and meant the loss of two car shows.
"Anderton & Rowland’s Fair (who provide our main sponsorship) has had to relocate onto the North Green. Their huge financial commitment keeps this event alive and we are thankful for their ongoing commitment to this heritage event in its 116th year."
He added: "I am delighted to say there will be a carnival and activities on Paignton Green this Summer. However, it will be a shorter programme which is easier to deliver with the time we have left to organise."
The carnival procession was due to go ahead as planned last night, Wednesday, July 31. The procession left Paignton Green at 7.30pm and followed a different route this year, from the North Green into Esplanade Road down to Sands Road turning left into Eastern Esplanade and back to North Green.
A host of activities and Family Fun Days are planned between Wednesday, July 31 and Sunday, August 4 with the grand fireworks display scheduled for Paignton Green at 10pm on Thursday, August 1.
Other activities include singing, dancing, party games, youth theatre company, fancy dress, Olympic display teams, a dog show and a Teddy Bear picnic.