JUST months after it seemed doomed to be consigned to history, a money-spinning charity event looks to have been given a bright long-term future.

Earlier this year, Northallerton appeared to have lost its annual charity carnival for good, after 25 years.

But plans for this year's event, on August Bank Holiday Monday, are now well advanced - and the new team behind it claims next year's carnival, to coincide with the Queen's Golden Jubilee, will be one of the biggest yet.

Over the years, the carnival has raised tens of thousands for a wide variety of local charities and good causes.

In February, it looked doomed after 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.

However, within hours of the carnival's demise being announced, anxious locals were asking if it could be saved and local councillors, John Coulson and Jack Dobson, stepped in to rekindle interest.

The event will get under way on August 27 at the Applegarth, with more than 30 charity stalls and a host of entertainments.

"People have rallied round remarkably," said Councillor Coulson yesterday.

"They didn't want to see the carnival disappear for good and people have done their utmost to make sure it is an enjoyable day for everybody.

"The idea now is to have an even bigger event next year, for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

"It is now looking highly likely that the carnival does have a long-term future."

Events will include the medieval Knights of Ashbourne, classic and vintage cars, magic, and music from Northallerton Silver Band.

The highlight will be a fancy dress It's a Knockout competition for charity.

Coun Coulson said: "The games themselves will be quite simple - and there will be lots of water involved."