CARNIVAL organisers have thanked a security firm for coming to their rescue to marshal the procession.

Basildon and Pitsea Carnival, which takes place tomorrow, was facing high costs if it couldn’t find a company to patrol the event, which culminates in Northlands Park.

Police used to attend for free, but since budget cuts started biting, they haven’t been able to.

It has been up to carnival organisers to foot the bill, but they managed to save cash thanks to Basildon firm VIP Security, based in Bentalls, Pipps Hill, offering to do it at cost price.

Stuart Terson, who organised the event, said: “They have been a really good company to work with.

“With Government cuts, there are less organised events and the community has to take control.

“We have to rely on companies to donate money or time for these events to go forward.

“We are lucky VIP Security came forward because health and safety is getting tighter and as a voluntary organisation we haven’t got the qualifications needed for permits.

“If we were charged for all this, the carnival wouldn’t happen at all."