A LAST-ditch effort to rally funds should mean that Weymouth Carnival will include the Red Arrows after all.

The Echo reported how chairman of trustees at Weymouth Carnival Ryan Hope said that it was ‘almost certain’ the Red Arrows would not perform.

He said there were just 48 hours to book or tell the RAF 'No'.

But upon reading the news, two local businesses and the Weymouth BID pledged £9,000, which should mean there is enough funding for the air display.

Dorset Cake Company will commit £3,500 and the Fantastic Sausage Factory £1,000.

Yesterday afternoon, the BID revealed to the Echo that it is willing to match the £4,500 figure for a £4,500 total.

Ryan Hope said it was ‘fantastic news’ and added that the Red Arrows appearance is now ‘much more likely’.

“We hope that because of this momentum that the BID has generated that now more businesses will pledge.

“We still need more businesses behind this,” he added.

The money could also see the popular Battle of Britain display, which was also in doubt, secured.

It is understood the carnival committee and BID will meet to discuss the funding.

Steve Newstead, chairman of Weymouth BID, said it was ‘no problem at all’ for them to back the carnival.

He said: “As long as we have got the paperwork, it is no problem at all.”

Dennis Spurr, from the Fantastic Sausage Factory said he is giving the money because of the benefits the event brings to the town as a whole.

He said: “The carnival doesn’t do my business any good. We don’t make anything from the carnival but I love Weymouth.

“I think it’s infuriating that in this lovely town we have got that we can’t afford to put the Red Arrows on.”

He was joined in his pledge by Shaun Walden, managing director at the Dorset Cake Company who wants people to back it as it is ‘for Weymouth.’ The carnival’s Crowdfunder page will now be relaunched with a lower target. To get any of the money pledged, on Crowdfunder the target set must be met.