ROMSEY'S old style winter carnival - axed by the town's former police chief - is returning next month in a new format.

Ex-police boss Peter Funnell outlawed lorries and other motorised floats in 2003, but three years on and with a new officer in command, carnival officials have been given the thumbs up to revive the popular and traditional winter carnival on Saturday, November 25 - the same evening Romsey's Christmas lights are switched on.

However, motorised vehicles in the parade will be limited to transit van or pick-up vehicle sizes.

And the length of the route, which was badly curtailed when the pedestrian lantern procession replaced the old event, will be extended again.

Inspector Funnell said, at the time, his decision related to health and safety concerns and he wasn't prepared to take the flack if there was a fatality or serious injury during a winter carnival in its old format.

Mr Funnell said: "If someone was killed or seriously injured, I would be held personally responsible. During the rest of the year we don't allow children to ride on the back of lorries because it is not safe, so why should we turn a blind-eye on the winter carnivals?"

Carnival bosses are delighted Mr Funnell's replacement, Inspector Bernadette Smith, has reinstated the winter carnival.

A carnival spokesperson said: "The committee is pleased with the re-introduction of motorised floats, albeit on a smaller scale.

"The extension of the route is the product of having managed the carnival processions to the police standards and the committee wishes to thank Romsey police for their input and help.

"It's now up to businesses, pubs, clubs and the people of the Romsey area to support their local carnival and take part. Romsey carnival is for the people by the people so it is up to everyone to support it or lose it"

The carnival is due to start at 6pm and follow a route taking in, Station Road, Latimer Street, The Hundred, Palmerston Street, Broadwater Road, Bell Street, the Market Place, The Hundred and finish outside Aldi.

There will only be one class for carnival entrants and the winner will receive the Len Fry Challenge Cup.

Anyone planning to take part in the procession must register their entry by Monday, November 20. Forms will be available at The Romsey Advertiser office shortly.

Two new events are featured in this year's winter carnival week.

These include an open skittles competition at Romsey's Royal British Legion Clubhouse on Tuesday, November 21, at 7.30pm.

This event has been sponsored by Romsey-based Hampshire Brewery, Brakes, Festival Wines and Spirits and Ringwood Brewery.

The skittles competition winner will receive the Stella Artois Carnival Cup. Entry fee for teams of two is £2 and forms are available from the Royal British Legion steward or by telephoning 01794 502237.

The other new event is an open darts competition on Friday, November 24, at 7.30pm.

This event is also being staged at the British Legion Clubhouse and is being sponsored by the Hampshire Brewery, Ringwood Brewery, Brakes, Morrells and Fullers Gale. The top dartsman or woman will receive the Fullers Gale Cup. Pre-booked entries cost £2 and £2.50 on the night.

Other carnival events are a quiz night at Romsey Comrades Club on Wednesday, November 22, at 8pm. The winners will receive a trophy and the traditional carnival bingo will be held at the Crosfield Hall on Thursday, November 23, at 8pm.