Sittingbourne's Carnival Court is back on the road after being rescued by a company from the town.

Association chairman Pam Griggs put an urgent appeal in last week’s Sittingbourne News Extra for a towing vehicle after being left stranded at short notice.

And as a result, brothers Dean and Kevin Budd of plastering contractor Abbey Plastering came forward in time for Saturday’s Sheppey Carnival.

Pam thanked SNE for publicising the court’s plight, adding: “It has worked!! I had an email from Kevin saying they would like to offer their help.

“I was so pleased. Dean came and drove for us and it went very well. He was really good at towing.”

Kevin said he saw the article in the paper and decided to contact Pam. “I read it and thought it would be no drama for us, no problem at all. We’ve got a 4x4. It worked out well for everyone in the end.”

There were also offers of assistance from the Hire Station in Sittingbourne and the Foresters Arms pub in Charlotte Street. “It was a great response,” said Pam. “It sounds like they (Abbey Plastering) will do the rest of the season for us as well.”

The carnival proved a success, with Sittingbourne’s court, consisting of queen Laura Petch, 17, and princesses Alex Finch, 18, and Hannah Bradford, 17, finishing third in the court of the day category.

Pam added: “It was a really good day. Last year Sheerness High Street was pretty deserted but this year it was packed. I’d love to see crowds like that in Sittingbourne.”

The court’s next carnival is Sandwich on Saturday, September 1.