GLITZ, glamour and glorious music has given a boost to campaigners fighting to save one of Hamp-shire's most popular and oldest carnivals.

The future of Titchfield Carnival looks a lot brighter thanks to an outpouring of support at the first ever Carnival Ball in the village.

Titchfield residents enjoyed an evening of elegance at HMS Collingwood and raised £3,000 in a bid to save the 125-year-old carnival tradition.

For the first time in the carnival's long history, its organisers, the Titchfield Bonfire Boys, had to make the tough decision to axe the event this year.

Sprialling security costs and torrential weather over the past few years severely hit finances, forcing the decision to cancel.

However with the Carnival Ball, the first in a long line of fundraising events, proving so successful, the organisers' promise to bring back the carnival in 2008 looks set to be fulfilled.

Nigel Prior, chairman of Titchfield Bonfire Boys, said: "The ball raised at least £3,000 on the night and Collingwood have said they would love to have us back again next year, so I think we can safely say the Carnival Ball will be an annual event.

"The support we found among our guests was amazing and we hope some may help with sponsorship of future events."

The next fundraising event will be on Saturday, giving guests the chance to discover musical and historical secrets of the area at the Hampshire Songs Day.

The event will take place at the Queens Head and Parish Rooms, from noon to 11pm. Tickets cost £9.50 for the whole day of folk music, historical tours and guided walks.