A DESPERATE plea has been made to Redditch business people after the town's community carnival has again been cancelled.

Because the event has been called off for the past few years, the committee has been unable to raise any funds and this year was faced with completely empty coffers.

Committee chairman Liz Johnson believes it may be the end of the line for the long-running event unless companies and organisations are prepared to back it financially.

Ms Johnson said she and the remaining committee members were devastated at having to cancel the event again and feared for its long-term future.

Anyone who would like to help next year's carnival by being a sponsor or making a donation can call Ms Johnson on 457190.