ORGANISERS of next year's West Wilts Show are looking for two charities to link up with for the flagship event.

The biennial show, held in Trowbridge park, can provide charities with a lucrative way of raising funds.

Chosen charities are given free stand space and joint sole rights to collect money from the 80,000 people who attend the show.

The 2005 event will be held from July 28 to 30, but organisers are appealing for charities to make an approach now for a chance to be selected.

One of the charities has to be based in the west Wiltshire area but the other can be a regional or national charity, as long as it operates locally and serves west Wiltshire residents.

Dorothy House Hospice, Trowbridge-based Stepping Stones Opportunity Group, Wessex MS Therapy in Warminster and Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal, supporting the Royal Hospital for Children in Bristol, are among previous charities to reap the benefits.

Mike Williams, chairman of the show's steering group, urged

charities to get their applications in fast.

"The West Wilts Show is a

community event and we have always had strong links with the charitable sector," he said.

"In addition to the two official charities, we also offer specially discounted rates to charities that wish to take exhibition stand space at the show."

Plans for the West Wilts Show are back on track after a financial scare in November.

News one of the show's key financial backers was poised to pull its support sent shockwaves across the district.

West Wiltshire District councillors reaffirmed their support for the show at a make-or-break meeting in November, but asked staff to look at ways to cut the financial contribution made by the authority which equates to £12,000 cash and £85,000 worth of officer time per show.

Deputy leader Graham Payne said the future of the show was never in doubt, but the format, finance and location all needed further consideration.

Charities wanting to be one of the official two at the show are asked to send in details of their aims and objectives, history, fundraising activities, location, registration number and principal officers.

Applications should be sent to Alan Bergin, the event co-ordinator, at the West Wiltshire District Council offices, Bradley Road, Trowbridge.