HIGHCLIFFE'S Christmas Carnival has been cancelled due to a lack of entries and community support.

Volunteer organisers of the event, which was due to take place on Saturday, December 12, said entrants had reached an "all-time low" this year.

Chairman of the carnival committee, Jeanette Lovelock, said: "Highcliffe’s Christmas Carnival started before World War Two at a time when there was a real sense of community and everyone rallied round to support each other.

"Sadly, many things that communities used to do together seem to have fallen by the wayside.

"This year, Highcliffe’s Christmas Carnival procession has suffered the same fate and this is as a direct result of the lack of entries taking part."

Jeanette said despite appeals to residents, groups, businesses and neighbouring villages, entries have not been forthcoming.

"I am passionate about the carnival - I created the Ice Queen myself last year to boost the number of entrants - and believe we could have something really special on the south coast for all to enjoy", she added.

"But we cannot hold a procession without the support of the local community and beyond.

"We also cannot continue to put all arrangements in place for the procession and just hope that entries will come through at the eleventh hour.

"It is very much hoped that the procession will return next year, but that can only happen if people get involved and be committed to it’s future survival."

In a letter to supporters, notifying them of the cancelled carnival, she said the decision had been "extremely difficult" and that the event was now "very much in the hands of the community."

Despite the procession being cancelled, other events organised as part of the day, including a Christmas gift fayre and entertainment, will go ahead.

A festive craft and gift fayre with food stalls as well as live entertainment will take place throughout the day on Lymington Road.

Last year, the event pulled in hundreds of residents, who lined the streets to see the Christmas event.