A COMMUNITY project to encourage people to get creative for Weymouth Carnival is gathering pace.

Volunteers are meeting regularly at venues around the borough to make items for a float that will take part in the procession.

Young people from various youth clubs have taken up the challenge and are having fun creating items for the float, including mermaids and rats.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council community development worker Julie Hursthouse, who is co-ordinating the Let’s Make It project, is keen for more groups to get involved.

Many schools have joined the challenge and Cub Scouts, Brownies and Guides would find it an ideal opportunity to earn their craft badges. There are a number of creative workshops coming up including some with local artist Julie McCabe.

She said: “It is such a wonderful project, it’s fantastic to see so many people having fun and meeting new people, plus they are all learning new skills at the same time.”

Many local businesses are supporting the project including Value House Stores at Wyke Regis, which has donated a voucher that will be used to purchase craft items.

Synergy Housing has funded the project, and Travis Perkins has donated a lorry for the float.

If you would like to get involved in Let’s Make It contact Julie Hursthouse on 01305 838497.