HARDWORKING volunteers have been dealt a blow in their preparations to revive a carnival.

The Broughton and Bretton Carnival is back on the calendar this year for the first time in 20 years with the community extravaganza set to be held on May 21.

A huge fundraising campaign is now under way to cover the host of attractions planned, which include a fairground, stalls, sideshows, a raffle, a climbing wall and a parade through the village.

But a £90 banner promoting a coffee morning organised to raise funds for the carnival has gone missing.

Last Saturday’s coffee morning was one of several fundraising events organised by the Broughton and Bretton Community Centre Committee.

The banner was one of three worth £90 each, that had been donated by Sign World in Bretton to advertise the fundraising events.

Laura Virgo, chairman of the committee, put the coffee morning banner up on the railings outside Town and Country Garage in Broughton on Tuesday morning. But when she returned on Thursday the banner had gone.

“It’s maddening when you’re trying to do something to help the community and this happens,” said Laura, 44.

Fellow committee member Ellen Jones added: “I think it’s just been taken for a prank.”

Donations have already been coming in for the carnival but the committee is keen to raise more to cover its costs.

“We’ve had a donation from Broughton Shopping Park for £1,500,” said Ellen, 60.

“Town and Country garage has donated £200 and Sign World has been marvellous.”

The carnival’s rose queen and rose bud are due to be chosen this week.

The banner theft has been reported to the police, if you have any information call officers on 101.