Maryport's Solway Trust has folded.

It appears the failure to resurrect the town carnival has proved the last straw for the charity, which was set up in 2011.

Initially created to ensure there was an outdoor stage on Shipping Brow for Maryport Blues Festival, it involved George Kemp, Allerdale councillor and publican and other residents and publicans.

John Newton became chairman, Dale Stephenson and Pauline Waite were joint secretaries and David Fisher was treasurer.

The following year the trust announced that the cost of the stage was too much and it would not be reinstated.

At the same time, the group said that its intention was to boost tourism by holding festivals and events in the town.

It held a harbourside music festival, a two-day family event to coincide with the town's trawler race and resurrected the carnival, both in 2013. 

But rising costs and a lack of helpers meant the carnival was not held again. 

Mr Stephenson announced this week that the final decision to fold came in the wake of the attempts to resurrect the carnival.

He said: "A new carnival committee was elected which then held a further six meetings. 

"It was later decided that due to restrictions and regulations that have to be adhered too, it was not financially viable for the carnival to go ahead."

He said he hoped it could be revived in the future as it was a huge boost to the town.

He said in recent weeks the trust has been run by four of the original directors and was now awaiting confirmation from Companies House that the Solway Trust has been closed down.

Once that happens, he said, the trust will distribute its remaining funds to local charities and community groups as decided by the directors.

He added: "Details of the groups will be provided after each one has been contacted and accepted the funds."

He said Solway Trust committee members are members of the Love Maryport Town Team.

He added: "We will endeavour to devote as much time and effort as possible to ensure its success."

Trust members were also involved in projects to help beautify the town, including taking care of flower beds on Netherhall Corner and organising clean-ups along the Promenade.

It is understood that many of the original committee members left and the last two trawler races have been held without input from the Solway Trust.