ORGANISERS of this year's Accrington Carnival today issued a plea to any company willing to dig deep to help the event.

But it's not money they're after -- instead Accrington Lions, who stage the bi-annual extravaganza, need a digger and some hard core surface.

At the last event vehicles used by entertainers, caterers and display teams were left stranded on the rain-soaked Peel Park field off Turkey Street, Accrington, because the area leading to the field was impassable.

In the end a tractor was used to tow them off. Now the Lions are trying to prevent the problem happening again by laying down a hard surface path leading to the field.

Harold Hardman, press officer for Accrington Lions, said: "Last time we had difficulty getting vehicles on and off the field. It was a nightmare.

"We had to borrow a tractor to get people off it was so bad. If it rains we are stumped.

"We need a digger and some hard core. We have had quotes but we don't think we should be spending charity money on that.

"The work can be done any time between now and the start of the event, but the sooner the better. It's critical. "

This year's event will take place on Saturday, June 21, with displays and entertainment staged on Peel Park Primary School's playing field.

Entertainment lined up for this year's carnival, which has a green theme, includes military displays, a dog obedience display team, caterers, a country and western display including a cowboys and Indians fight, and four brass bands.

The carnival was last held in 2001 when the route had to be changed at the request of the police two weeks before the event.

That led to a shortage of marshals, which was solved when Hyndburn Council provided an extra ten people. The event was also moved from its traditional home at Accrington and Rossendale College, on Sandy Lane, Accrington, to the playing fields on Turkey Street, Accrington, where it will be held again this year.

The carnival will use the same route this year, setting off from the Globe Centre, St James Square, proceeding past the railway station and town hall before going down Burnley Road to the playing fields.

Lion Mike Boast said he was hoping the council may be able to help provide marshals again.

If you think you can help with any of the equipment needed for the installation of the path, call Mike Boast on 01254 384603.