Some villagers in Great Bentley are in a flap over goldfish being given away as prizes at their carnival and fete.

One resident has called for a ban on the practice - due to fears the fish could suffer afterwards.

Alan Bishop, who has more than 30 goldfish of his own, said in many areas of the country such stalls have been stopped.

"The giving of live animals as prizes - whatever conditions the prize-giver attempts to impose - are inadequate to secure their future well-being," he said.

"These animals come to be owned by chance rather than as a result of a deliberate or conscious decision."

Mr Bishop, who has lived in the village for two years, said he had nothing against those running the stall but was concerned what happened to the goldfish once they left the fete and claimed some ended their days in the village pond.

He added: "Many suffer a lonely, lingering death, their systems shocked by unsuitable water conditions. They end their days floating on their side on the surface in a goldfish bowl or worse."

Mr Bishop said a number of residents supported his stance.

"We actually saved one fish by winning one at the fete last year," he added.

Mick Dorling, vice-chairman of Great Bentley Carnival Committee, said the committee was under fire from a small number of people.

He said at a recent meeting a request not to run the stall was unanimously turned down.

"Our stall is run under the best conditions that we can supply," he said.

"The stall is run by two women from the village who do their utmost to make sure the fish are looked after properly. The committee have taken advice and supply proper containers, shade, food and goldfish bowls where requested."

Information regarding the welfare of fish is also available from the committee's suppliers.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said it was totally opposed to animals being offered as prizes.

"We are against people winning animals - rather than making a conscious decision to acquire one," she said.

"There is also the welfare of the animal to be considered. Goldfish need oxygen and it can quickly run out in a polythene bag which is an inappropriate environment."

The spokeswoman urged people to write to the carnival organisers to ask them to reconsider.

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