A traditional May Day children's parade could be cancelled because police officers do not want to marshal it.

The annual children's Garland Day procession has been a part of the celebrations in Lewes for 25 years but has its roots in the late 19th century.

The event was introduced in 1874 by the prominent Verrall family in Lewes to encourage a love and knowledge of wild flowers and to alter the activities of "urchins" who traditionally begged a penny for the garland on May Day.

But according to Sussex Police, the children's High Street march could be missing from this year's festivities.

Inspector Viv Johnson of Lewes police, said: "The event is normally policed by specials but this year nobody wants to do it."

For the past quarter of a century children have assembled in the grounds of Lewes Castle bedecked in flowers and foliage.

Morris dancing teams, including the Lewes-based Knots of May ladies, perform with their garlands and then lead the children, who are both wearing and carrying garlands, down High Street to the Cliffe.

But the youngsters, who would normally receive a certificate for participating, could this year be left empty handed. Mary Motley, Garland Day organiser for the Knots of May said: "We're getting nearer and nearer to May and still the Garland Parade is in jeopardy. We feel we need a police presence to make the procession safe for the children.

"We have enough of our own marshals but we don't command the same respect as the police when closing roads so we need them to help. But we're not getting any support.

"We need them for about half an hour but it seems the safety of children and community traditions means nothing."

Insp Johnson said: "The procession goes the wrong way down the High Street and we have to stop the traffic at the top, the middle, and the bottom of the road. Any road closure is down to the people who have asked for the closure. If you ask for a road closure you have to provide marshals."

Insp Johnson added that she was trying to draft in staff from elsewhere.

Lewes MP Norman Baker said it would be a shame if the parade had to be abandoned this year.

He said: "It's a very colourful event in the Lewes calendar and a way must be found to make sure it continues."

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