DOZENS of youngsters face missing out on their dream of performing at the Redbridge Carnival after organisers were unable to secure any floats for this year's event.

Children's groups from across the borough - from steel bands to dance troupes - have been putting the finishing touches to their acts during the past few months.

But their efforts now look likely to have been in vain after haulage firm, Leader Freight, which supplied three free floats to last year's carnival, said it was unable to help out this time around.

The news has come as a shock to youngsters at the Alexandra School of Performing Arts in Woodford Green, who have been perfecting their Mary Poppins-themed act for the event for the past few weeks.

Alexandra Hughes, who runs the school, said: "It's so disappointing, because our younger dancers have been practising for ages for this, but they won't be able to take part unless we can get a float.

"The young children are all so desperate to take part, but they just wouldn't be able to dance along the entire route of the carnival - it's just too far.

"We took part in the carnival last year because one group dropped out at the last minute, but we can't afford to hire a float from a haulage firm ourselves."

The mother-of-one, from Broadmead Road, Woodford Green has appealed for a haulage firm to help them out by lending a lorry and driver - for the day.

Carnival organiser, Wilson Chowdhry, said he has had no luck finding replacement floats for the event, despite calling several other haulage firms.

He added: "At the moment there aren't any floats available for groups from Redbridge, or though their will be floats from visiting carnival groups.

"We would really appreciate help from any firms that can spare us some floats and drivers for the day."

The two-day carnival will begin on Saturday, September 5 - with the procession taking place on the Sunday.

Mr Chowdhry insists the display - which starts in Ilford High Road at 12pm and finishes at Valentines Park - will be as spectacular as ever.

He said: "There will be a marching band and baton twirling and all sorts of other performances.

"It's going to be a great show."

A spokesman for Leader Freight said the firm was unable to supply floats to this year's carnival because it was already booked up for a different event.

Any firm that wishes to donate floats and drivers to the Redbridge Carnival should contact the Guardian on: 01992 563 123.