STEAM show organisers blame local councils for putting their charity fundraising at risk.

Officials of Portland Steam and Vintage Show say they have been left 'very disheartened' after Weymouth and Portland and Dorset County Council each turned down four temporary direction signs for the event out of 13 requested despite the fact that the same councils granted all 13 signs last year.

The show at Southwell Park now faces a hefty bill for the five approved signs and fears the restricted signage could see them lose exhibitors and visitors.

Show steward Samantha Spracklen explained that they pay the RAC to produce and erect signs for the July 14-15 event at a cost of £25.95 per sign for a minimum order of 10.

The RAC then applies to the council for permission to put 13 up at a total cost of £337.35, she said, the councils granting all 13 signs last year.

Now they are facing a drastic cutback in signs for 2007, and she said: "The Portland Steam and Vintage Show is the biggest show of its kind in the area and this lack of signage could result in the show losing exhibitors and visitors."

It will be the ninth year the event has been held and this year will see magnificent steam engines, a huge display of classic and vintage cars, military and commercial vehicles, tractors, motorcycles and vintage caravans as well as craft and model tents, stalls, fairground organs, children's attractions, main arena displays and even a Wild West re-enactment group.