TITCHFIELD carnival organisers have hit back at accusations that delays ruined the evening procession for on-lookers.

A 30-minute delay to Monday's parade was caused after a car hit a participant and a passenger in another float had a serious asthma attack.

Some spectators were said to have been annoyed and disappointed by the delays, but the Bonfire Boys, who organise the annual event, said this was not the general feeling.

Chairman Derek Parkinson said: "People in the square were very understanding - we had people keeping them entertained and informed them that there was a delay."

He said safety had taken priority as emergency services dealt with the incidents, which happened at about 8pm near the start of the parade.

The car accident happened at a low speed, and the victim was not hurt, according to organisers, who added that the asthma sufferer had also made a full recovery.

Fareham Borough Council leader Councillor Sean Woodward denied reports that he thought the hold-ups ruined the procession.

He said: "The only thing that did disappoint a number of people waiting in the square was that it was where the carnival has started from in the past but this year it did not - it had nothing to do with delays."

Mr Parkinson said the route had not been changed for the last three years, and although he apologised for the delays he said he hoped visitors would understand that safety had to be a priority.