NOAH’S Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall has come to the rescue of Portishead’s royal families.

To mark 10 years of the revival of Portishead carnival, organisers invited past queens, kings and princesses to join this year’s parade, which they planned would include an open top bus for the former royals.

Then, with only four weeks to go until the big day, it was confirmed a bus was not available.

A spokesman for the carnival said: “With almost 20 royals and no float to transport them we were starting to panic, but Noah’s Ark stepped in and offered us a trailer, complete with seats, which will look fabulous when it’s decorated with flowers and ribbons. The owners have even taken out insurance so their tractor can pull the cart for us. We can’t thank them enough.”

The carnival kicks off with a performance by the Red Arrows on Friday. The parade will take place on Saturday, starting at the Lake Grounds at noon. It will then travel through the town centre towards the carnival field in Clapton Lane which will be packed with activities and entertainment.