JIM has fixed it for Swanage. It seems as if it pays to have friends in high places after the famous Red Arrows performed a spectacular U-turn and will now be at Swanage Carnival on Saturday after all.

The Daily Echo reported at the weekend how the annual carnival had been left in turmoil when the main attraction pulled out at the 11th hour due to displays elsewhere.

But after the story appeared, the office of South Dorset’s MP and government minister, Jim Knight, was bombarded with complaints.

Carnival secretary Linda Welsh said: “We just cannot believe it. Apparently, apart from all the people I contacted up to the defence minister, Jim Knight’s office has been inundated with complaints.

“On Monday afternoon we had a phone call to say that the decision had been reversed and we’ve got them at 4.37pm on Saturday.

“In the words of the squadron leader who called us, we must know people in high places. We’re back on track and we’re absolutely thrilled to bits.”

The decision last week left carnival organisers frantically working to make up for the disappointment, booking extra acts and even another plane to fly a solo display over the bay on the first day of the week-long event this Saturday.

But now it could go down as the best carnival day ever.

Linda added: “Of course people are now going to get a bumper Saturday, because after the Red Arrows we now have a solo display and we’ve also filled the town with street entertainers.

“It’s going to be a spectacular Saturday.”

Mr Knight confirmed he contacted the Ministry of Defence to ask if Swanage could be put back on the schedule.

He added: “I am delighted they were able to do so and it is great news for the carnival organisers and those planning to attend on Saturday.”

•The Red Arrows will also be one of the attractions at the Bournemouth Air Festival, which runs from August 20 to 23.

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