MIDDLEHAM is in danger of losing its annual festival because no one is willing to take on the job of co-ordinating it.

At a meeting at the Key Centre on Tuesday, Sue Constantine stood down as co-ordinator, explaining that she could not do that as well as organising the Middleham Stables Open Day.

The festival committee was also losing two other stalwarts, John and Dawn Woodward, who will soon emigrate to Australia.

"It would be a shame for the festival to finish," said Mrs Woodward. Their shop, Domus, has been the main booking office for the festival since it started more than ten years ago.

The festival has proved a big success, bringing in many visitors each year. It was started by the Rev David Eyles when he was the rector of Middleham.

"It is unfortunate we could not get any more people to help," said Mrs Constantine. About three people are needed to take on the organisation of the festival.

She added that there were plenty of people willing to help with various events and the Key Centre and AiR, the Richmondshire arts development agency, were also offering support in various ways. She thanked the Woodwards for their hard work.

Another evening meeting will be held at the Key Centre on Wednesday, October 22, to see if the festival can be saved.