CHARITIES face "a major blow" to their fundraising efforts if the Biggin Hill Air Fair is grounded by its spiralling costs.

South Bromley Hospiscare and Demelza House children's hospice are among 10 charities who set up stalls at the air fair which is in jeopardy unless organisers find £100,000.

As well as fundraising, the national significance of the event, which features the Red Arrows, allows local charities to raise their profiles and attract major donors.

South Bromley Hospiscare was nominated as the show's special charity for the 2002 show.

Additional donations from visitors to the show meant it made more than £5,000 from the weekend event, one of the biggest single amounts raised all year.

Fundraising director Lynne Guthrie said: "We were a designated charity last year and we were hoping we might be next year as well, so the loss of the show would be a major blow to us. We were not only raising money but raising our profile, because we are a small charity.

"The organisers were very helpful towards all the charities."

Air Displays International managing director Jim Maitland said no progress had yet been made in the quest for funding to meet the increased costs of the show.

He added: "We have always been pleased to offer what help we can to charities at the show, as well as organising free admission for hundreds of disabled people. It's bad news for all those charities which were able to take advantage of the show."

The future of the event was put in jeopardy because its insurance premiums tripled since the September 11 disaster and individual aircraft operators are also passing on their increased costs.

The cost of providing expert emergency services has also risen £50,000 and health and safety costs have increased.

July 16, 2002 17:30