A SPONSOR is desperately needed to secure the future of one of Hampshire's oldest and most popular carnivals.

The Titchfield Bonfire Boys have also issued an appeal for volunteers to help marshal and steward this year's event, in Titchfield, near Fareham, on Sunday, October 22.

About 120 marshals are needed and chairman John Osman said: "We still need between 50 and 70 volunteers."

The carnival, which is in its 127th year, attracts hundreds of onlookers to its afternoon and evening processions.

It will still go ahead this year because the security company which supplies professional marshals and stewards says it will make up the shortfall.

Carnival organisers want to enlist the help of more volunteers so they can keep down escalating running costs.

Mr Osman said: "This year's carnival is costing us £31,000 and at the moment we have £12,000. We really need to find a sponsor."

As well as the financial costs, organisers are having to cope with the maze of legislation governing public events such as carnivals. Empty committee places also need to be filled and Mr Osman said the group was short of between ten to 15 members.

He warned: "If we do not get more help then future carnivals will be in jeopardy."

This year the Titchfield Carnival also faces stiff competition from Portsmouth's Great South Run. The carnival procession was moved from a Monday to a Sunday in a bid to increase the number of visitors and fill more collection boxes.

Carnival organisers did not realise the dates clashed until it was too late, but they hope that there will be a crowd spin-off from the run.

Anyone who can help on the day of the carnival is asked to contact the Titchfield Bonfire Boys on 07767 438425.