IT WAS definitely a case of "We'll Meet again" as the largest number of people for several years volunteered to help with Barnard Castle's annual carnival.

This year's event was cancelled owing to the foot-and-mouth epidemic, but with no members of the public attending the annual meeting, fears that apathy could mean it would not be resurrected led officials to plead more strongly than ever for new blood.

On Wednesday night, eight people signed up as full committee members, swelling the number to 14, and a further seven agreed to help behind the scenes without committing themselves to two meetings a month.

Retiring chairman Mr Andy Willsmore, who took over as secretary for the coming year, was pleased with the turnout. "The present committee had decided to stay on for another year, but it would not have been possible to run a full Meet with just six people," he said. "We needed a hard core of about 12 and we have now got those, but if anyone else wants to help in any way at all we will be pleased to hear from them."

At the meeting, existing member Mr Rob Marshall was elected chairman, with Mr John Pearson as vice-chairman. New volunteer Mr Steve Wilson, who has a banking background, took over as treasurer.

The Meet, which for more than 100 years has been traditionally held over the Whitsun bank holiday weekend, will be held a week later in 2002 to tie in with the extra day's holiday for the Queen's golden jubilee.

Further volunteers of help should be directed to Mr Willsmore on 01833 690916.