THE annual Northallerton charity carnival is looking for new blood following the decision of the chairman and secretary to stand down after 24 years' involvement.

Chairman Mr Colin Narramore and his wife, Yvonne, the secretary, are helped by a committee in organising the event, revived in the Queen's silver jubilee year of 1977 and held in the Applegarth on August bank holiday Monday.

Two other stalwart committee members also want to stand down after several years' voluntary service.

Mr Narramore said: "I feel the carnival has reached its peak and needs and new ideas and reorganising, and I feel it is the right time to move on.

"Hopefully it will not finish. If we are able to find another organisation or committee to take it over we, along with other committee members, will be able to guide interested parties in organising the day.

"The carnival is run for the benefit of local and national charities and would be expected to be run in this way if anyone new came along."

Mr Narramore said fundraising was proceeding to keep the carnival going and added: "Some of the attractions which appeared this year have already booked for next year, so we have to let them know as soon as possible whether it is going to be on or not.

"We do not want to see it finish, but we feel it is just getting too much after 24 years. We are looking for an established organisation to take it on. It would be very difficult for individuas to do it without a proper committee.

"Apart from the carnival, Northallerton has got nothing in the way of an annual festival or event. It would be tragic if it did fold.

Contact Mr Narramore on 01609 771161, evenings only.