Codsall carnival raises £4,500 for scout group

A scout group in South Staffordshire that had its base burned down by arsonists just three months ago has defied the odds to stage a fun-filled carnival.

First Bilbrook Codsall Scouts went ahead with the 43rd annual village carnival, held on playing fields by Codsall Village Hall on Saturday, despite the hut being gutted by fire in February.

Group leader Terry Cowling said the event was a huge success, with glorious sunshine helping to boost visitor numbers into the thousands.

He and fellow organisers had been working from home to finalise plans for the carnival, which raised around £4,500 for the group.

Mr Cowling said: "We were not going to be beaten by the fire.

"We were determined to carry on at all costs even though we didn't have a base to work from."

Stalls, inflatables, games and music kept visitors entertained and programmes were so popular that they sold out.

Codsall-based Humpty Dumpty Playground took home the award for best float for its dominos-themed entry, while Codsall Twinning Association won best walking dress for a frog outfit.

Mr Cowling added: "The weather certainly helped but it was a wonderful day and we're all really pleased"