The Colchester Evening Gazette has stepped in to save the town's major festival.

Colchester Festival 2003 was in jeopardy after the council decided not to continue funding the event.

Festival organisers decide to ask local businesses for help, and the Gazette agreed to sponsor the 'Samba Ramble' and to organise the costume design competition for the procession.

Organiser Theresa Jephcott said: "The Gazette certainly has played a part in saving the festival. Without this sort of major sponsorship the carnival would not have taken place."

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