THE future of the south's best-known fireworks display is at risk because police want to be paid for patrolling the event.

Every year tens of thousands of people watch the huge display to mark the end of the Cowes Week sailing regatta.

Joining an estimated 40,000 people on the Isle of Wight who marvel at the traditional regatta finale are countless others at sea and along the south coast. Members of the Royal Family have even watched from the Royal Yacht Britannia.

But now Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police has told regatta organisers that it wants to charge for policing the event.

It says reinforcements have to be drafted in from the mainland to police crowds that flock to Cowes for the display.

Stuart Quarrie, chairman of Cowes Week Sponsorship Limited, revealed that police charges could amount to £40,000 and added to the £25,000 of putting on the fireworks, which could mean the end of the tradition for largest firework display.

He said: "Our view is that, unlike a football match, this is not a ticketed or turnstile event. It is a public display of benefit to Cowes and the Isle of Wight."

Fellow CWSL director Chris Troup said the charging plan was outrageous.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "We will continue to speak with organisers and the council with a view to appropriate cost-recovery."