A VILLAGE carnival is in desperate need of volunteers amid fears next year’s event might have to be cancelled.

Staindrop Carnival Management Committee has put out an appeal after its numbers dwindled to just six.

Committee chairman and parish councillor Tony Smith said it was vital more volunteers got on board.

“It’s a matter of playing it by ear. We have six at the minute which is very difficult with the amount of stuff that goes on,” he said.

“It took a dive three years ago and then we got up to 11 but the numbers are dwindling off.”

Cllr Smith said the committee had organised a recruitment evening next month which will be the final chance to sign up and decide the future of the event.

“Any kind of help whether it’s just one or two days would be great and we only have about six meetings prior to the carnival so it’s not a big commitment.”

The committee are hoping any new members would help them put on fundraising events leading up to the carnival including the popular Staindrop’s Got Talent and the Queen disco which decides the procession’s royal roles.

Cllr Smith said there was a chance for people with a wide variety of skills to get involved with everything from booking stalls and contacting sponsors to putting up gazebos and option for new members.

“There’s no experience needed and we will put new members with experienced ones so they won’t be left high and dry – we are a happy bunch and it’s really rewarding.”

The week-long carnival has been held for decades and culminates with a family fun day on the village greens which usually features everything from a funfair to a classic car display, fancy dress procession and live music.

Headteacher of Staindrop CofE Primary School, Steve Whelerton, said the carnival is a vital part of the community and encouraged people to get involved.

“The vast number of children that come to school take part in the carnival because it’s a community event and the school grounds have been used before for it,” he said.

“It’s an integral part of the school calendar and I think if it did not take place then it would be a real loss to the community.

“It’s something that’s one of those key events in the school calendar that the children, parents and staff really look forward to and it makes Staindrop the village that it is.”

1st Staindrop Scouts leader, Jacqui Nicholson, also said the children “relished” taking part as they felt part of the community and have already decided on their procession theme of the Jungle Book to celebrate the cub’s 100th anniversary next year.

“For local families it is a whole week of activities that they seem to relish taking part in. It is about being part of the community,” she said.

The recruitment event will be held at the Wheatsheaf pub, in Staindrop, on Monday, November 14, from 7.30pm.

For more information contact Cllr Smith on 01833-662998, 07789236081 or email smithytony24@yahoo.co.uk