A LONG-RUNNING charity carnival, which looked set to be abandoned only a year ago, is returning on the bank holiday weekend.

Hopes for the popular event being staged again in Northallerton were fading last year after the resignation of several key committee members.

But following the intervention of local councillors who wanted to keep up the 25-year tradition, this year's spectacular - which coincides with the Queen's Golden Jubilee - is being described as the best so far.

Over the years, the carnival has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities and other good causes in North Yorkshire.

This will continue this year, with thirty charity stalls being set up on the Applegarth.

The main event will be an It's a Knockout contest and there will be displays by Yorkshire Falconers, a magic show, a Punch and Judy show and various children's rides.

Town councillor John Coulson, one of the main organisers, said: "We want to put on a good show to carry the carnival on - we have got a little committee going again, so we are hoping for a good crowd on the Applegarth.

"It is a very important event for Northallerton.

"There is a lot of work that has gone into it this year and we do not want to see it fold."

The revival of the money-spinning carnival is in stark contrast to the situation last February when an appeal for volunteers to join the committee had no response and the long-serving chairman resigned, followed by the secretary, treasurer and press officer.

Coun Coulson said: "It marks the end of Northallerton's Golden Jubilee celebrations, but as far as I am concerned it has a long-term future and will be going on into future years."

The event starts at 1pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Further information is available by calling Coun Coulson on (01609) 770011.