The organisers of Diss Carnival have urged local businesses to 'give us a tenner' to contribute towards rising costs.

This year's summer parade and family fun day is set to cost more than �5,000 and officials have called for traders and businesses to chip in.

The annual parade through the town centre on Sunday, June 19, promises to be more colourful than ever with 28 booking forms for floats already sent out. The theme is fairy stories and nursery rhymes.

'We realise times are tight but all we ask is for local traders to contribute a minimum of �10 towards the cost of putting on the carnival,' said committee spokesman Steve Penny.

Among requests to join the parade have been a steam engine and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club.

Blacksmiths Cottage Nurseries will be taking some of their rare birds and animals to the afternoon fun day at Diss Town Football Club, where a wide range of activities and displays is being organised, including entertainment by Steve Sausage and Bazza Bizarre.

Admission to the fun day at Diss Town Football Club has been kept at �3. More stewards and volunteers to help on the day are still needed.

Contact carnival co-ordinator Doreen Collins on 01379 642018 or email doreencollins@btinternet.com