Supporters of Ilkley Carnival are pouring money into a patron scheme only 12 months after a miserly response to a similar appeal.

For a minimum £10 donation, individuals and businesses can become a patron of the town's annual May celebration.

Last year, a similar appeal brought a disappointing response, so the rapid turn-around has delighted carnival president Miggy Bailey.

She said: "Already I have received about £300 from new patrons and I am hoping we can build on this encouraging start."

Mrs Bailey said such support was very important as it demonstrated continuing commitment to the event and provided an important injection of cash.

The cost of staging Ilkley carnival is more than £20,000 and rises each year. Mrs Bailey said the greater the support shown for initiatives such as the patron scheme, the more money would be available for beneficiaries.

"I am hoping people will be as generous as ever this year. The event has raised many thousands of pounds over the years, benefiting numerous organisations. That was the whole reason for starting the carnival in the first place, to give something to the community," she said.

The three main beneficiaries for the 2000 carnival will be: The Darwin Gardens Trust; Churches Together in Ilkley 2000; and Ilkley Rotary Club Bandstand Project.

Others to benefit will include Ilkley Cricket Club and the Heartstart scheme.

Mrs Bailey said: "Groups who actually volunteer to help on the day also benefit from the generosity of carnival- goers."

Any groups who would like to help on carnival day on Monday, May 1, particularly by helping man the entrances to the carnival field, can contact Mrs Bailey on (01943) 436212.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.