AROUND 50 residents, councillors and children turned out today for the first ever Chepstow Walking Carnival.

Organised by Chepstow ComBaT, a community group representing Chepstow, Bulwark and Thornwell, the carnival walk began at Thornwell Football Club at 11.30am and proceeded along Thornwell Road, Mathern Road, Maple Avenue and then Western Avenue before finishing at Chepstow Rugby Club.

Carnival Queen Caitlin Morgan, 11, from Chepstow, and Princess Abigail Morgan, 10, her sister, were in attendance to wave at residents, while displays, games, a BBQ, Tombola, stalls and raffle prizes were all on offer at the rugby club.

Sandra Bushell, Chepstow Town Clerk, said: “The carnival took place in the town centre for many years, organised by the Round Table, but it was becoming more difficult to put on due to health and safety reasons and it was stopped.

“So ComBaT stepped in and this is the first year of the walking carnival, and it’s on this side of the A48 so we don’t have to worry about people crossing the busy road. “We have a variety of stalls, including an owl display, SARA, Gwent Police, the army, Macmillan and more. The community has been really looking forward to it.”

Mayor of Chepstow Stephanie Dovey said: “There’s been a very good turn out so far. The weather is holding out for us and it’s good to see so many of the children in fancy dress– we have a policeman, a batman, a pirate, Rapunzel and several fairies. Judging who the winner is will be very difficult.

“I think it's so important to bring the community together through events like this.”