THE accent was on youth when Blandford soaked up the carnival atmosphere at the weekend - but the whole event could be under threat, organisers say.

Children of up to 12 years donned costumes to take part in their own parade during the afternoon, and several also turned out for the main carnival procession during the evening.

Among the walking entries were around 100 youngsters from the local mini-football, mini-rugby and taekwondo clubs, while the motorised entries included a Bob the Builder float featuring little ones from the Little Acorns Pre-School.

There were also three bands, and floats from Sturminster Newton taking part in the two-mile route around the town.

Carnival committee chairman Lilian Jones said: "We've got our faithfuls that come every year. We clashed with Trowbridge Carnival, but they said 'We've always gone to Blandford'. I think they enjoy the atmosphere.

"But we need more support from the town - they don't participate.

"We had a lot of children in fancy dress but we don't get enough floats. We had four from Sturminster but not many from here.

"We need to get Blandford more motivated - if we don't get more support, there won't be a carnival.

"It's a lot of hard work all year."

The committee will decide which local charities and good causes get the proceeds at a meeting in February.

First published: September 14