A POPULAR charity carnival has been forced to close after a plea for more volunteers to help run it proved unsuccessful.

Organisers of Northallerton charity carnival confirmed yesterday that the annual event had folded after 25 years.

The carnival committee launched a major appeal last year to find new blood to take the event on in the 21st century but had no response.

Committee chairman Colin Narramore recently announced his resignation and has now been followed by the event's secretary, treasurer and press officer.

A spokesman for the outgoing committee said: "We had a meeting and as no-one came forward after the chairman, secretary, treasurer and press officer stepped down, there were not enough people on the committee to carry on.

"It is with great sadness that it is having to fold. We want to thank everyone who supported us in the past, both businesses and members of the public."

The carnival, which takes place on the August Bank Holiday, has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities and was firmly established as one of Northallerton's most popular traditions.

Proceeds from the event have gone to charities throughout North Yorkshire and the committee's spokesman said letters would be sent out to all organisations who have set up stalls in the past.

The carnival committee has struggled to keep going before, but regrouped in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

Committee members are now hoping volunteers will make a last-minute effort to take on the organisation of the event