Volunteers are being sought to ensure a bumper charity collection at the Lord Mayor's Parade.

The carnival event on Saturday - backed by the Telegraph & Argus - will be the first major date in the appeal diary of new Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Stanley King.

Traditionally, it is an opportunity to boost the coffers of the Lord Mayor's charity.

But so far just three people have put their names down to collect for this year's Brain Wave appeal.

The beneficiaries are the neurological units at St Luke's Hospital, Bradford, and Airedale General Hospital, Eastburn, near Keighley.

Brenda Lockwood, Lord Mayor's appeal officer, said the amount collected depended on the number of volunteers.

"It is a major event and attracts thousands of people to the city, so if we had enough collectors we could easily raise about £1,000," she added.

"So far just three people have volunteered. It is very disappointing.

"Collectors have a wonderful day. There's the carnival atmosphere and everyone is in high spirits."

She said the only requirements were for collectors to be enthusiastic and aged at least 16.

Coun King said he hoped more Bradford people would sign up for the event.

He said: "Bradford people are generous and cheerful and I'm sure many will want to help out.

"We have ordered the sunshine and we hope that just a handful of people will come forward and collect for this good cause."

The parade, which is part of Bradford Festival, will start at Midland Road on Saturday at 4pm and finish in Centenary Square at about 4.45pm.

The theme is World in the City, and floats will reflect the cultural diversity of Bradford.

Anyone wishing to sign up as a volunteer collector should call the Lord Mayor's appeal office on (01274) 754965.