ROCKETING insurance costs for lorry floats could mean that this year's Lytchett Matravers carnival will be for walkers only.

Saturday's event, which kicks off from Lytchett Matravers Primary School at 2pm, could see none of the usual colourful motorised floats taking part in the procession.

Instead, scores of youngsters and carnival goers in fancy dress are set to walk a shorter route to the carnival ground instead.

Carnival committee member Zinnia James said organisers had taken the decision after seeing insurance costs for the floats escalate.

"The charges were getting a bit silly, so this year we have having to be more environmentally friendly," she said.

"So far, everybody has been fairly happy about it but we will have to see what happens on the day."

Chairman of Lytchett Matravers parish council Martyn Colvey said: "Unfort-unately, this is happening throughout the country.

"Insurance companies have been slamming exorbitant premiums on lorry owners who would usually be quite happy to run carnival floats.

"This year, the carnival committee didn't want to see the money go to line the coffers of the insurance industry.

"The floats are a big element of the procession but I don't think this will affect the success of the carnival.

"The energies of the people of Lytchett Matravers will be switched elsewhere."

But one lone float may still take part in the procession despite the insurance problems.

The manager of the Rose and Crown pub in Lytchett Matravers, Fred Dredge, said: "We are hoping to run a float to raise money for the Julia's House hospice, but if we do, I believe it will be the only float in the procession."

He added: "It's such a shame for the village. If the carnival doesn't go well this year, then maybe people won't bother again next year."

Saturday's carnival procession at 2pm from Lytchett Matravers Primary School will still feature marching bands and majorettes, and prizes for walking floats will be up for grabs as usual.

Arena events will include African and belly dancing displays, and there will also be an evening barbecue back at the school.