A campaign to save Deal Regatta Week's Party on the Prom started on Saturday when the cash crisis was highlighted in the town centre.

Members of the carnival court gave out hundreds of leaflets to shoppers and visitors appealing for help.

Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta and Carnival Association chairman John Trickey said: "We were well received.

"But the weather was not good. We gave out stickers, posters and leaflets and lots of people appealed to us not to cancel the event."

Mr Trickey said the association had lost grants and donations towards the £5,000 bill for the Party on the Prom, which includes free live music and a firework display.

He added: "This has become a spectacular event on the Wednesday night in Regatta Week. Without it the quality of the Deal Carnival could be seriously threatened."

* To offer financial help contact John Trickey on 01304 381990.