FIRST ever discretionary charging at Otley Carnival raised more than £400.

Increased costs, particularly in public liability insurance, meant organisers decided to ask people to pay to enter last month's carnival.

And despite concerns that people would not want to pay, around £400 was collected at the gate.

At last week's annual general meeting of the carnival committee, it was stressed that the cost of putting on the carnival was likely to be even more next year.

Treasurer Ann Steval said the cost of public liability insurance was a 'nightmare that would not go away.'

"We were very fortunate to have £1,500 from Otley Community Involvement Team.

"I feel very strongly that Leeds should give the carnival financial support. The carnival represents everything that is best about Otley, the standard complaint is that Otley gets nothing from Leeds and I would hope that they could help us next year."

Mrs Steval said that the two highest collections made on the carnival route were Pat Marriott with £139 and Chris English with £75.

She added: "The tide of people making their way onto the field seemed never ending and they showed their appreciation in the £400 taken at the gate."

Otley Mayor, Councillor Nigel Francis, warned the committee that the CIT might not be able to offer financial support for next year.

"It could be that next year the carnival struggles for funding from the CIT, but I am sure that the town will do what it can to raise money."

June's event raised £4,800, of which the carnival has kept £1,300 towards next year's carnival. The remainder was divided between the 2nd Otley Parish Church scouts and the All Saints East Window Appeal.

John Morgan, from the scout group, called on more groups and organisations in Otley to get involved with the carnival.

"It is very important that groups support the carnival, my only worry is that the carnival does not fall victim to events such as the river festival, it would be impossible for us to put that on now.

"I wish the carnival committee every success and hope they go from strength to strength," he said.

New chairman June Galling congratulated outgoing chairman Pam Pears and added she was looking forward to next year's event.

"As stall organiser, I have already had a firm booking for -next year and some field attractions have already been booked, I look forward to another successful carnival day."