Local schools, charities and groups are being urged to apply to share in the profits from Ilkley’s largest family event.

Ilkley Carnvial takes place on the May Day bank holiday – May 5 – and the carnival committee is now looking for a local good cause to become the primary beneficiary of the event.

With a deadline of Friday, February 7 for online applications through the website ilkleycarnival.org the committee is again pledging to donate 50 per cent of profits raised to one local organisation.

In 2014, Ilkley and District Good Neighbours received a £6k payout following £12k of funds raised on the day – the biggest in the carnival’s recent history.

John Jewitt, chairman of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, said the funds had been an invaluable boost to the organisation and urged other groups to apply.

“We never could have imagined receiving such a sum of money from the Ilkley Carnival profits. We immediately ploughed it into the services we provide and broke the ‘100 barrier’ for the first time with the number of Christmas presents we could distribute,” he said.

“We also filled the Clarke Foley centre to capacity with 80 nonagenarians enjoying the over 90s party and we have introduced an additional excursion to the Dales.

“It’s wonderful that the Ilkley Carnival, which has such appeal to children and young families, has made such a difference to an older generation who may otherwise be forgotten, isolated and alone.”

Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey said the success of the 50 per cent beneficiary process meant the committee unanimously agreed to extend the opportunity to local groups for a second year. “We urge anyone in the local community – whether it’s a school, a playgroup, charity, a sports club or a youth group – to apply either online or by emailing the Ilkley Carnival secretary Maria Hunt on carnisec@gmail.com for an application form.”

The shortlisted six will be interviewed on Tuesday, February 18. Other organisations who received funds from the 2013 Ilkley Carnival were: Ben Rhydding De Mohicanen Scout and Guide Group; llkley Pre School; CTI2000, a charity to help people with learning difficulties to live independently; Ilkley in Bloom; Ilkley Soroptimists; Burley Bridge Association; Ilkley Rugby Club; Ben Rhydding Sports Club and Martin House Children’s Hospice.