A POTENTIAL lifeline is being offered to the beleaguered Northallerton charity carnival, threatened with the axe after 25 years.

Two local councillors have decided to call a public meeting next month with the aim of ensuring that the popular event, which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, can continue.

The carnival, held every August bank holiday Monday in the Applegarth, is facing a crisis this year because, despite a public appeal, no new volunteers have come forward to replace long-serving committee members who have decided to step down.

The committee made the appeal late last year in an attempt to find new blood to take the carnival into the 21st century.

Mr Colin Narramore, committee chairman since 1981, recently announced his resignation and he has been followed by the secretary, treasurer and press officer.

Mr Narramore said: "We are very disappointed that the carnival is likely to close but we have been struggling for a while trying to keep our heads above water. It would be a sad day for the town and for the charities.

"Some people have done the work all the time. No one else was interested and no one has come forward. We are just going to go round in circles."

But Coun Jack Dobson, mayor of Northallerton, and Coun John Coulson, who represents the town at county and district level, said on Wednesday that it was important for the carnival to continue.

They are calling a meeting in the town hall in March, on a date to be fixed, in a renewed attempt to enlist support for a continuing carnival.

Coun Coulson has indicated that he would be willing to organise the event for this year and for 2002, when the golden jubilee of the Queen will be marked.

Coun Dobson said: "The carnival has been going for 25 years and the town owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the chairman and committee.

"It has resulted in thousands of pounds being raised for local charities and has given pleasure to many Northallerton townspeople and visitors. We both believe this most important event in the town should continue.

"We want to organise a meeting as early in March as we can and we would hope that some of the people previously involved with the carnival would come on board because of the knowledge they have gained."

Coun Coulson said: "Northallerton has lost so many things over the years, including the Theakston fun walk and the Mencap gala. It must not lose its carnival."

Anyone interested in supporting the new carnival initiative should contact Coun Coulson on 01609 770011 or Coun Dobson on 01609 775012