IT was a sad day for Titchfield as a 125-year-old tradition ended with the news that one of Hampshire's oldest and most popular carnivals has been axed.

Spiralling costs and bad weather has forced organisers to cancel this year's Titchfield Carnival, leaving residents saddened and upset.

Organisers have promised that it will not be the end of the rolling cavalcade and hope that with public support the carnival will be back next year.

Over recent years rumours have been rife that the traditional event's days were numbered due to escalating insurance premiums, changes to advertising regulations and increased security charges.

With higher costs, torrential rain plaguing the procession and lack of funds coming in from local businesses, the Titchfield Bonfire Boys, who organise the event, had no other choice but to cancel.

All efforts were made to keep the event afloat, even sacrificing the traditional date in October and moving it to September but with security costs reaching £16,000 last year, not enough money was coming in.

Nigel Prior, member of the Titchfield Bonfire Boys, was the man who had to break the upsetting news to those attending the St Peter's Fete in Titchfield on Saturday.

He said: "It is a sad day for Titchfield but with spiralling costs over the last few years we need to get a lot more fundraising done. However we want everyone to remain upbeat and support us because we are aiming to raise enough money over the next 16 months to bring the carnival back in 2008.

"We need as much awareness as possible to make sure we will be able to come back bigger and better next year and that means we need as much help as possible with our fundraising.

"We also need more people willing to join the committee and spare their time to help with the organisation."

If you want to help bring back the popular carnival next year visit www.titchfieldbonfireboys.org.uk or call 07767 438425.