Skinflints who forced their way into Ilkley Carnival without paying a penny have been labelled "despicable".

More than 18,000 people attended the town's annual Bank Holiday party - the vast majority boosting the coffers of Ilkley-based charities as they passed through the gates.

However, the actions of gate-crashers have astounded carnival committee members who say hundreds of people avoided to pay the £2 entrance fee.

Carnival president Miggy Bailey said: "Hopefully we will still have an excellent total for the carnival beneficiaries, but that is not really the point. It is astonishing the lengths some people will go to to avoid paying to get in."

Mrs Bailey said some visitors had been seen lifting buggies over the fence to avoid paying for youngsters while other carnival-goers had waded across the River Wharfe to attend the event.

"I think it is very sad that these people do not feel they should have to pay for an excellent day out," she added.

She said that the minority who had refused to pay were depriving Ilkley of money which would benefit many people.

Those hoping to benefit include Ilkley Talking Newspapers, 3rd Ben Rhydding Scouts and Ilkley Parish Council (Millennium projects fund).

Members of the Rotary Club of Ilkley were on duty at the entrances to East Holmes Field.

Club press officer Peter Cussons said: "Those on the gate have a very difficult job. I am not sure what the answer to the problem is. However, this is really despicable, what is £2 to get in, it is the price of a pint of beer."

The carnival committee does use a limited number of professional security staff at the event, but much of the work is carried out by unpaid volunteers - many of whom represent charitable organisations hoping to benefit from the carnival.

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