A famous St George’s Day parade in the Black Country is facing the axe unless more than £8,000 can be raised in eight weeks.

Organisers have launched an appeal to reach the £10,000 target needed for the march can go ahead.

Just £1,400 has been raised since campaigning began last year and efforts are continuing tonight with a fundraiser at a Great Barr pub. But event leaders warn the Sandwell parade, in its 11th year, will not go ahead unless people come forward with sizeable donations.

The parade was only saved last year with a last-minute donation of thousands of pounds from West Bromwich businessman Chris Kelly, from transport firm Keltruck.

But organisers say they are hoping to get support from more people this year.

The parade through West Bromwich was hit by controversy after claims it attracted far right extremist groups. Last year Sandwell Council withdrew its financial support, instead concentrating on a family fun day the day before the parade.

But around 20,000 people still turned up to march last year after organisers from the Stone Cross St George Association organised it themselves.

Mark Cowles, from the association, said they were still keen to speak to the council to see if they may be able to work together again and combine the events, but if not they were still determined to stage the parade independently on April 24.

“We’ve just got to make an appeal to anybody who can help,” he said.

Tonight’s fundraiser is at 7.30pm at Asbury Tavern in Newton Road, with live singers and a raffle.

Potential sponsors can call Mark on 07788 750987.