AN ANNUAL children's fete hangs in the balance after event organisers were unable to raise vital funds.

The New Mechanics' Trust says if it can't get its hands on £2,000 in the next two weeks the Children's Fete in Faringdon Park will have to be cancelled.

They warn that if the event were to be called off this year it would bring a close to the six-year-old fair, which finds its roots in the Juvenile Fete, founded in 1868.

It regularly attracts hundreds of youngsters and their families with dancers, bouncy castles and trampolines forming part of the entertainment.

There has also been live music in the evening.

Jennylee Hall, chairwoman of the Trust, said: "So many people have been dismayed at the thought of having to cancel the Children's Fete, which has been such a hit for across all the age groups."

Mrs Hall says the trust is in a difficult position having funded the event for the past six years.

She said that after the Trust lost its headquarters, in the former railway museum in Faringdon Road, members have been too busy looking for alternative premises to focus on raising money.

Although most of the acts have been booked, Mrs Hall says that they need the help of the community to fund insurance, health and safety, posters and entertainment costs.

She said: "We have decided to ask the wider community for their support if they want this year's event to go ahead.

"We particularly hope local employees' groups might use their imaginations to raise funds.

"The rides and the GWR Park have been booked, and youth and other community groups are expecting to perform, but the rest depends on the communities' support.

"The trust has just not been able to fund-raise.

"Things will also depend very much on whether donations can be offered to support the unavoidable costs."

Anyone interested in helping out or sponsoring the event is asked to call 07977 451480.