VOLUNTEERS have called time on a town's annual carnival 100 years after it started.

Organisers of Shildon Carnival made the difficult decision following a public meeting when it was hoped that more volunteers would come forward after an appeal for help.

But a spokesperson for the event said few people turned up and those left felt they could not continue anymore.

She said: "We have explored every option available and we have no other choice.

"It is sad that it has come to this, but we just cannot go on any longer.

"We have to be realistic. It takes 11 months of hard work to organise this and we just don't have enough people anymore.

"We would like to express our thanks to all volunteers, local businesses, Shildon and District Countryside Movement, staff at Shildon Centre and Shildon Town Council, who have all supported the carnival through the years."

The uncertain future faced by The Shildon Centre has also been a deciding factor. Durham County Council is considering withdrawing funding from the centre in March 2007 and staff will have to concentrate their efforts on looking elsewhere for cash if it is to have a future.

Shildon Gala, as it was originally known, was first held in 1905 as an agricultural show-cum-farmers' market. It evolved over the years, taking on different guises such as The Scouts Gala and, more recently, the Shildon Carnival.

One of the highlights of the day has always been a carnival parade through the town.

The group spokeswoman added: "We hope that, after a short rest, local people may come together to develop a new carnival for the future - but we will have to wait and see.