LOCAL charities are set to benefit after a major backer stepped in to save Dorch-ester’s carnival.

Brewery Square Development Company Ltd has become the sponsor of the 2011 community event on Saturday, June 18.

Organisers were concerned for the future of the carnival after their first proposed sponsorship deal fell through but, with just over a month to go till the big day, their plans are back on track.

The support of the Dorchester developer was welcomed by the town’s Round Table, which has organised the carnival for the last 40 years.

Dorchester Carnival chairman John Palmer said: “Dorchester Round Table is delighted to have secured a deal with the Brewery Square. “The sponsorship provides a great launch pad for this year’s event and will enable us to continue to donate to many local charities and good causes.”

He added: “We were working with a main sponsor that unfortunately, due to the economic climate, folded.

“We were panicking right up to the last minute that we weren’t going to have a main sponsor but in the end we had two companies come up to us and Brewery Square was the better offer.

“Certainly without Brewery Square coming in to help us we would have struggled with the carnival this year.”

Director of Brewery Square Andrew Wadsworth said: “It’s an honour to sponsor the 2011 Dorchester Carnival in support of the Round Table and its invaluable work in the community.”

Mr Palmer encouraged groups and businesses to sign up to take part in the procession to ensure the maximum amount of funds are raised. He said: “A lot of fun can be achieved by taking part in the carnival – the success of the day depends on people doing this.

“So if you are involved in a local charity or community group why not take part in this year’s carnival.”

Procession application forms can be obtained by contacting Ellis Ford on 07809 533251.

• DORCHESTER Round Table is busy getting ready for the carnival on Saturday, June 18, which this year will have the theme Heroes and Villains.

As well as the main procession there will be the customary four-legged pub crawl on Thursday, June 16 and the Party in the Park featuring a barbecue, stalls and live music on June 17.

On carnival morning itself an assortment of stalls will line South Street with fun and refreshments for everyone to enjoy, while there will be live music on the stage all day.

The procession will take place in the early evening.

Last year’s carnival raised over £5,000, which was distributed between 46 local charities, community groups and other organisations.