PRESTON Mela may become an indoor event for the first time ever this year after heavy rain and severe flood warnings put a stop to last weekend's festival.

The city's annual festival, due to take place on Avenham Park on Sunday, August 4, was called off at the last minute as days of torrential downpours made the ground unsuitable.

Preston Mela steering committee held a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon to discuss the future of this year's carnival which has so far been a washout. Vali Patel, chairman of the committee said: "It was very disappointing we had to cancel it. A lot of preparations and work go into this event.

"We are looking at the possibilities of finding a time in the next two or three weeks to hold it in the Guild Hall."

Mr Patel said the leisure department at Preston City Council contacted as many people as they could last Friday, to forewarn visitors of the cancellation.

If the event goes ahead indoors, the activities -- such as kite flying -- will have to be adapted.

The plug was also pulled on a ladies football tournament at Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, planned for Sunday, after rain made the pitches too waterlogged for play.

People from across the county had been planning to travel to Preston for the two events.

The football tournament was to be between ten teams, including players from as far afield as Wigan, Liverpool and Accrington, and £300 prize money had been put up by Coca Cola. Organisers said it would be rescheduled for other dates, yet to be announced.