The community has pulled together to save one of Kent's oldest carnivals, just days after its cancellation seemed inevitable.

More than 50 people signed up to volunteer at Northfleet Carnival, as committee members hosted a make-or-break meeting on Monday evening.

Residents clubbed together to preserve the decades old tradition, first held in 1967, at the gathering at Perry Street Conservative Club in Northfleet.

Among those sponsoring the parade is Paladin Secure Limited, based in Bankside, Northfleet, which will provide free security.

It is joined by beauty salon Tanezy, of Darnley Road, Gravesend, and Rose Petals, a clothing shop at the St George's Centre in Bath Street.

Chairman Helen Cox, who just days ago was forced to announce the event's cancellation, thanked those who had attended the meeting, describing volunteers as the "most important people there".

"It’s one of the longest running carnivals in Kent, and it’s a brilliant community event that's free to come and watch." - Head of transport Dave Taylor

Head of transport Dave Taylor, who is the longest-serving member of the carnival committee, said: "I ran the carnival for seven years, and I’ve been a part of it for 25.

"It’s one of the longest running carnivals in Kent, and it’s a brilliant community event that's free to come and watch.

"It caters for all ages, races and religions, and everyone is welcome."

The former chairman, who first became involved with the carnival aged 15, was joined by his son, George Taylor, who is now chief marshal.

He helps recruit voluntary lorry drivers for the parade, with fellow committee member Martin Povey, who also works in the haulage industry.

He believes police cuts, alongside losing volunteers to Gravesham's Riverside Festival, held on the same day, could be part of the reason Northfleet Carnival has struggled in recent years.

The carnival will be held on Saturday, July 6 and football clubs, primary schools, dance troops and Gravesham's LGBT community are among those with floats in the parade, which will run between 1pm and 3.30pm.

It will begin at Springhead Industrial Park in Springhead Road, Northfleet, where floats will be judged before travelling to the roundabout at Pepper Hill.

The procession will move into Hall Road and along Perry Street and Pelham Road, where there will be a 15 minute pause before it enters Gravesend town centre via Barrack Row and Clive Street.

Before entering the one way system, the parade will be held at the gated entrance at King Street, before passing through Milton Road, Ordnance Road and Canal Road, finishing near Gravesend's promenade.

If you're interested in volunteering, or sponsoring the event, visit the Northfleet Carnival Facebook page at https://bit.ly/2WhqQFY