POOLE'S first youth carnival for 13 years is in danger of being cancelled due to a lack of support from traders.

Stunned by having to find a further £1,000 to pay for use of Baiter Park, organisers say they will have to make a decision within a week if they can continue.

However Borough of Poole has stepped in to help by offering a special discount, slashing the sum to £390 for this year only.

Anthony Rogers, recreation and community manager Borough of Poole said: "The Poole Youth Carnival is a great addition to the event calendar and we will work closely with the organisers to try to ensure it goes ahead. "

Secretary Topsy Turner said: "We have had very little support from the traders, apart from a couple of people. And we haven't got long to go. None of the big firms have come through. We have written to lots of them."

The carnival is due to be held on Sunday May 17 and is an opportunity to showcase the town's youth.

It will start and finish at Baiter Park with a parade of floats, bands, majorettes and youth groups going through the town, along the High Street and the quay and back to Baiter.

At the harbourside park there will be displays from groups taking part in the carnival, static displays from the armed services and local emergency services, World War Two vehicles and classic cars, food stalls, face painting and children’s rides.

Organisers have appealed for help from traders, written letters and walked along the High Street and quay, seeking support.

"If Poole traders want to make extra trade and have a successful carnival, they need to be prepared to back it," said Topsy.

Mr Rogers said: “The council incurs costs in hosting, administering and supporting events and the income from fees makes an important contribution to Poole. It also enables the licensing of sites and is invested in future infrastructure.

"Fees are discounted for not for profit events and the level of fee depends on the size of the event and is confirmed once an application has been assessed. ”

Anyone who can help with donations can contact Topsy Turner on 01202 682119 or treasurer Caroline Burridge on 01202 399628. For more information go to pooleyouthcarnival.co.uk.