A haulier desperate to support its local gala can't because of insurance constraints.

R McDowell wants to offer some of its 70 lorries to provide floats in the popular annual procession through Keighley.

But the Valley Road haulage and distribution firm is unable to obtain the necessary insurance.

Now the firm -- backed by Keighley Gala bosses -- is calling for a change in regulations to allow an exemption for such events.

Dave Crabtree, McDowell's transport manager, used to provide transport for retiring gala queens in processions across the area but had to stop due to the insurance issues.

He said: "There was an incident in another part of the country where someone fell off a float and sued the lorry operator.

"Now insurance companies just won't touch it if you are carrying people on the back of an HGV.

"Galas across the country rely on local people and haulage companies to provide vehicles for floats, but unfortunately everybody is now in the same position. It's very sad."

He said: "We would like to see the introduction of some kind of exemption certificate that would enable lorries to be used without any fear of comeback against the company. Floats were used in galas for years without problems.

"Because we can't offer lorries this year we hope instead to assist with marshalling at the gala field -- at least we can help in some way."

Keighley Gala chairman Brian Hudson backs the call for an insurance overhaul. "It would benefit all galas across the country -- not just ours," he said.

"A lot of companies which would otherwise support us simply can't because of the insurance situation and as a charitable event we cannot afford to have blanket cover."

Chris North, marketing executive with the Road Haulage Association Insurance Services, says he has sympathy with both the hauliers and insurers.

"It is certainly the case nationally that in recent years insurers have been reluctant to provide this type of cover for gala floats," he said.

"Even when every precaution is taken there is still the potential for an accident and insurance companies take a tough line towards it."

This year's Keighley Gala is due to take place on July 1.