A POPULAR Hampshire carnival that has entertained a community for 85 years is under threat because there are not enough organisers.

The annual Hedge End carnival has been a tradition for generations and raises around £4,000 for good causes every year.

Taking to the streets on the first Saturday of July, the carnival which started in 1921, always brings the people of Hedge End together. But next year the community could be without its street parade because the carnival committee does not have enough members to carry out all the necessary tasks.

Committee chairman Nick Wise said five members had left this year and he warned the carnival would not take place next July unless more people came forward to help out.

"In the last year one person has joined our group but for reasons such as ill health or moving house we have lost the services of five people who helped," he said.

"If some more do not come forward to offer their services then we will have to call it a day.

"It will be a very sad day for Hedge End if this happens. In recent years our procession has been one of the best in the county and Hedge End will be a much worse place to live without the carnival and the input of the carnival committee throughout the life of the village."

Mr Wise also praised the role of the carnival in raising funds for local groups and charities.

"Not only do we organise the carnival but we have raised around £4,000 each year that benefits lots of other local groups improving the quality of life here every day of the year," he said.

An annual general meeting of the Hedge End carnival committee will be held at the Village Hall, in St Johns Road on Thursday, September 28 to decide the fate of the carnival.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www. hants.org.uk/hedgeendcarnival or call Mr Wise on 01489 785041.