An airshow which attracts tens of thousands of spectators could have to be funded by cash donated by residents and visitors.

Eastbourne’s Airbourne event made a £380,000 loss last year after council officials decided to introduce a £6 entry fee for people wanting to watch the show from the town's prime viewing spots.

It had been budgeted to make a £183,000 profit but costs spiralled, no sponsor could be found and crowds stayed away.

This year all four of Eastbourne's rotary clubs have been asked to help with street collections to raise money to fund the event, which will run from August 13 to 16.

The local authority has dropped its usual restrictions on street collections to allow the clubs to help out.

Eastbourne normally only considers applications from registered charities, including those which directly benefit the town.

However exceptions can be made for local groups in which the proceeds benefit the local population.

Of the money raised, 75% will be used to fund Airbourne and the remaining 25% will be kept by the rotary clubs.

The council asked the rotary clubs to act as a collection agent on their behalf as a “one-off” in relation to Airbourne.

If more money is raised for Airbourne than is needed it will be held in an account and used to fund future Airbourne events.

A council spokeswoman said officials had set up a £150,000 fund as a back-up but hoped the money would not be needed.

She said: “It is important to the future of Eastbourne's airshow that we secure as much funding in 2009 as possible.

“We have been working closely with a businesses community task group to build the event for the future and to encourage support from businesses, visitors and residents for the event.

“The council has also drawn up a new list of sponsorship packages including smaller opportunities starting at £250, which we have put out to the local business community to source their support for the event.”