Organisers of Ilkley Carnival are hoping businesses will back their bid to make it the most successful event ever.

This year, the Ilkley Carnival Committee is hoping to raise £10,000 to go to good causes in the town, with half the money already earmarked for the Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.

Led by committee member Colin Watson, they are now on the hunt for sponsors for the event and are hoping to attract a new main sponsor for the annual carnival, which this year takes place on Monday, May 6, with a British History theme.

In the past the carnival has relied on about 40 companies and individuals to provide sponsorship, but this year Mr Watson is hoping businesses in the town and wider area will back the event like never before.

He said: “We have already got some fantastic surprises and treats lined up for this year’s carnival in a bid to make it unforgettable.”

“But to make them happen, we need sponsors and there is also room for a new main sponsor. We know times are hard but we’re calling on the Ilkley business community, and any individuals, to dig deep and give us their backing.

“The money we raise goes to some fabulous causes, not least the Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, who do some great work in the town and can do so even more if we can give them as much as we can.”

Mr Watson is also hoping his sponsorship efforts run more smoothly this year.

Last year, Peter Fisher was jailed after he was caught calling himself Colin Watson and trying to dupe businesses in Ilkley out of sponsorship money.

The real Colin Watson is about to head out onto the streets of Ilkley and begin the search for sponsors and hopes everyone will know he is the genuine article.

Sponsorship deals for the carnival start from £69 for bronze, £149 for silver and £199 for gold packages.

Visit ilkleycarnival.org or follow @ilkleycarnival on Twitter for more information about Ilkley Carnival and sponsorship.