FINAL preparations are under way for the Titchfield Carnival, which this year reverts to its historical route.

The traditional procession of colourful floats on October 28 will weave its way though the village before finishing outside the Wheatsheaf pub in East Street.

It's a change from the last five years, when the procession broke with tradition and finished up on Southampton Hill.

Safety fears about the parade travelling down East Street and turning on to the A27 prompted the re-route but it never went down well with villagers, according to one organiser, Dave McKay.

Now Titchfield Bonfire Boys and the police have come up with a safe solution that once again allows the carnival to proceed down East Street.

When this year's parade finishes outside the Wheatsheaf pub all participants will be bused to the marshalling area while the floats travel up the A27 back to where they started at Bellfield.

Mr McKay, vice-chairman of The Titchfield Bonfire Boys, said: "The old route effectively cut off East Street from the carnival.

"This year East Street will play a big part in the day as it always did historically."

Mr McKay said: "The carnival's a link with the past. It's always a very enjoyable day for people in Titchfield and visitors to the village."

This year's carnival queen will be 21-year-old Natalie Stevens of Southampton Hill, Titchfield. Her two attendants will be Jessica Silver, 16, of St Margarets Lane and Debbie Fowler, 15 of Bellfield, Titchfield.

The Titchfield Carnival was set up in the 1880s and The Titchfield Bonfire Boys have been planning this year's event since September.

Money raised from the carnival will go to local good causes. The fun starts at 12 noon with the procession setting off from The Bellfield at 2.40pm. The evening procession will start at 7pm followed by a firework display at 9pm.