ANDOVER Lions Club has decided to go ahead with this year's carnival even though sponsorship is proving hard to come by.

But plucky young mum Marie Hunt has proved to be a real inspiration by agreeing to complete her first sky dive for the carnival, which will be held on 24 June. She is doing so because she has entered and enjoyed the carnival so much in the past.

Marie, who lives in Lawrence Close, Andover, hopes to raise about £600 from the sky dive on 22 April at Netheravon, with her husband, Andrew, who will also be skydiving for the first time on that day.

Organisers need much more than that, however, to ensure a successful event and insure against bad weather.

Mr John Whalley, joint organiser with Mr Dave Burrows, said: "Once again we have been disappointed that sponsorship for the event has been very difficult to achieve from local businesses."

The police had intended to charge the organisers £570 for policing the event, but they have now decided to meet the cost out of their own budget. Nevertheless, only about £500 hard cash has been promised and the Lions Club needs about £3,000 in total to feel comfortable.

Mr Whalley added: "There is always the worry that if we have bad weather, then we won't make enough money to cover the costs of the carnival."

The organisers are hoping that more people will come forward with offers of cash, perhaps raising money through a social event, or in some other way to boost the coffers.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Whalley in the evenings on 01264 355910.

Or call Marie on 07791 892161 if you want to sponsor her.