SIDMOUTH Carnival s decision to limit the number of majorette troupes performing at this Saturday s procession through an invitation only policy continues to provoke a response from those excluded from the event.

SIDMOUTH Carnival's decision to limit the number of majorette troupes performing at this Saturday's procession through an 'invitation only' policy continues to provoke a response from those excluded from the event.

Dawn Enticott, chairman of Honiton Twirlstars, said: "When we were told that only one majorette troupe would be attending Sidmouth Carnival we were all upset; a lot of the girls' families live in and around the area.

"The troupe members were asked at the beginning of the year which they preferred out of fetes, competitions and carnivals and the majority of girls said carnivals, so it was decided to try and attend more this year."

After the disappointment of not being allowed to perform in Sidmouth, Honiton Twirlstars found another carnival to attend, which is taking place on the same night.

Miss Enticott said: "I contacted Wellington Carnival Committee and they were more than happy to accommodate us. Their attitude is 'the more the merrier' so, if we have to travel that little bit further, so be it.

"And I'm sure all the families of our children will feel the same and come and support us there."

Miss Enticott added: "Last year, Stuart Hughes, the organiser of Sidmouth Carnival, decided to put all the majorette troupes at the front of the procession, which must of been tedious to watch. Placing us together like that meant we had to allow big gaps between each troupe, because the sound systems out did one another, hence so many holdups.

"We have just taken part in Axminster Carnival and there was no holdup to my knowledge, apart from a float breaking down.

"We have taken part in Sidmouth Carnival for the last three years and also appeared at the last Sidmouth Christmas Carnival when there was a gas leak on the seafront that had everyone waiting around in the freezing cold for over an hour.

"Did any of girls complain? N0!

"We are looking forward to taking part in Honiton,s carnival on October 24 when it is rumoured they will have 15 majorette troupes and cheerleaders attending and, of course, all their friends and family who will turn out to support them.