A carnival procession has been cancelled for the first time in its 38-year history because not enough people have entered floats.

Just a month before the annual procession through Brighton, organisers were forced to cancel because only three floats and three bands had applied.

In its heyday, the event attracted up to 50 floats from groups, businesses and individuals.

The Brighton Lions Club was due to hold the procession from the Peace Statue in Hove along the seafront to Preston Park in Brighton on Saturday, July 28. The carnival fete in Preston Park will still go ahead.

Lions president Brian Slater said: "We decided not to go ahead with the procession. There wasn't any point in running a very short procession because that would disappoint people."

Programmes had already been printed. Organisers were forced to add a printed slip apologising for the cancellation.

The lack of interest is being blamed on a number of factors, including the high cost of insurance for people entering lorries as floats.

Mr Slater said: "We're living in a litigious time. Some insurance companies don't want to cover people riding on flatbed lorries which weren't designed to take passengers. In the past, people didn't worry about that sort of thing."

Fewer companies were putting aside money for staff to enter floats in processions.

In past years, the Red Arrows would turn up without charge, as would an Army band as part of its recruitment drive.

Mr Slater said: "It is only cancelled for this year and we shall be redoubling our efforts next year."

The fete, which will raise funds for the Leo House Children's Hospice Appeal, runs from noon to 6.30pm. Admission is free.

There will be arena displays, including an eagle and vulture show and dog training.

There will also be fairground rides, quad bikes, go-karts, flight and bouncy castles.