Former 60s singer Cindy Kent has vowed to try to save the Sheppey Summer Carnival.

The Sheppey Carnival Association run by the McCall family threw in the towel after running the parade for 17 years, blaming public apathy.

But Cindy, who led 60s band The Settlers and retired to the Island three years ago, is trying to put a rescue bid together along with the newly-formed Sheerness Town Council.

She said: "Let’s put our collective heads together. I’m happy to take it on.

"Let’s see how many people we can get to join us. It would be such a shame to lose the carnival.

"I've loved every one since I've been here."

The Settlers had a hit with The Lightning Tree, the theme tune to children's TV show Folly Foot.

Andrew Yates, commanding officer of Sheppey Air Cadets 2316 Squadron, has also pledged to help. He promised: "We will help and I'm sure the other cadet groups will, too, if we ask."

Cllr Cherise Bowerman who chairs the town council's community and environment committee, said: "We will discuss this at my committee's next meeting. We can't let this Island tradition die."

Her meeting is on Thursday, October 31, at noon in the former library in Trinity Road, Sheerness.

Mike Brown, who is an Eastchurch parish councillor, said: "As someone who chaired the carnival committee in the 1970s I have tremendous sympathy for the McCalls and their committee and the sad lack of support which has led to their decision.

"Over the years there has been a change in attitude from companies and organisations.

"In my day, most Island businesses either sponsored or put floats in. Olau, Abbots, Klippons, Co-Steel, Tescos and Co-op were among the regulars. All the working men's club also took part along with a whole range of youth groups.

"An additional problem has been increased health and safety rules which have made it more problematic for hauliers to provide open lorries for floats. There has always been the attitude among so many that they want an event, provided somebody else does the hard work."

Round Tabler Andrew Willmore added: "My wife Dee and I ran it for many years with little or no support. Maximum respect to the McCalls for their perseverance."

For more details, call the council on 07395 140407 or email sheerness-tc@outlook.com

Read our report of this summer's Sheppey carnival parade here.

For more ideas on days out and things to do, head to our What’s On section

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey