HAMPSHIRE based DIY giant B&Q told a children's brass band it didn't have the funds to sponsor its trip to China - just days before unveiling a massive jump in profits.

The decision was one of a series by major Hampshire firms with Chinese interests that left organisers with just £350 towards the £70,000 trip. They had hoped for £5,000.

Despite initially appearing keen to sponsor Southampton's Youth Brass Band's visit next month B&Q, which was founded in Southampton, ultimately refused, saying it couldn't afford it.

Within days B&Q owner Kingfisher posted first quarter profits of £147m, with Chandler's Ford-based B&Q contributing £82.5m, up £12.5m.

The year also saw B&Q open three new stores in China - a vast potential market where DIY is surprisingly popular.

The visit sees 62 youngsters, each paying £750, spend two weeks touring Qingdao - Southampton's twin city - and Beijing, performing brass classics from Lord of the Rings and James Bond in prestige venues such as Tiananmen Square.

Southampton Youth Band director Ian Smith declined to divulge which companies had turned him down but local businessmen fed up at the response from larger neighbours were happy to reveal names.

"I tried to get two or three major sponsors and I'm afraid it came to nothing," said Mr Smith.

"I approached the largest DIY retailer in the country who, after three months of talks, made it seem our time had been wasted. Apparently they couldn't afford to help us.

"We could have gone with banners with company names on so people would understand that these British companies were supporting their youth in this cultural venture but it seems to have died on the vine.

"I'm disappointed, I think they should be backing Britain."

Stuart Greenfield of local marketing and communications agency LeepeckGreenfield, which was among a number of smaller companies to contribute, said: "I think B&Q have been insensitive. B&Q is a Hampshire company, it has roots here and it could have improved its image by supporting these children.

"It's been a disappointing response from local big business."

But Catherine Wright of Southampton Chamber of Commerce said companies were not charities.

"Businesses are not free to spend their money willy-nilly," she said. "Doing good works is not the remit of a business."

A spokesman for B&Q said: "This sponsorship request was passed to our operations in China and it is most unfortunate that they were unable to help.

"In the UK we have a very active sponsorship policy where we donate products to local community groups and charities via our stores for projects of a sustainable nature.

"From our head office we also send out vouchers to be used as raffle prizes to help local community groups and charities.

"In the UK we therefore don't have funds available to support ad hoc requests such as this one, however much we'd like to."