SUPPORT it or lose it.

That was the stark message from organisers as Romsey Carnival could only roll out a handful of floats for its big parade.

Carnival chiefs were hoping for a right royal show to mark the 400th anniversary of King James I granting the market town borough status.

The town council had splashed out £500 on cups and cash prizes but there was a lukewarm response with four floats and some walking entries.

Romsey's carnival dates back to the early 1900s and its hard working committee is determined to keep the tradition alive.

A carnival spokesman said: "There may be a number of reasons, including the weather, why the entries are down.

"We will be looking at ways to encourage more people to join in and we may even review the date."

Romsey Mayor Councillor Mark Cooper, praised the quality of the entries and in a plea said: "We need the support of the business community."

He said that if every business in the town was to enter a float it would be a spectacular carnival.

Councillor Cooper added: "I shall be asking the Chamber of Commerce if they can commit a year ahead to organise a large number of floats."

Local schoolchildren, Brownies, Sea Cadets and the Nomads' own music and drama society still helped to make it a colourful cavalcade for carnival revellers who lined the street.

Carnival Queen Chloe Aslett and her attendants Tiffany Knight and Tiffany Nicholson travelled the parade in style in a horse-drawn carriage.

Making sure that the parade went with a big beat were the Romsey Old Cadets Band and The White Diamonds Band from the Isle of Wight.