PEOPLE power looks set to save a carnival which has become a lifeline for local charities - thanks in part to The Northern Echo.

Earlier this week we reported how the Northallerton Charity Carnival was in danger of folding after 25 years because of a shortage of volunteers.

The old carnival committee - many of whom have served for many years - launched an appeal last year to find new blood to take the event into the 21st Century.

However, when there was no response to their appeal, members reluctantly decided to stand down.

Long-standing chairman Colin Narramore and others announced their resignations.

But within hours of the story being published, anxious locals were asking if the annual August Bank Holiday jamboree could be saved.

Moves are now afoot to ensure the event, which has become a popular local tradition, continues at least for the next two years.

Town mayor Jack Dobson and local councillor John Coulson say the carnival's demise would be a disaster for the town - and particularly for the local charities which benefit.

Now they are to arrange a meeting in early March with the aim of setting up a carnival committee.

"People were coming up to us in the street and asking why the carnival was coming to an end. They do not want it to disappear," said Councillor Dobson yesterday.

"We all owe a great debt to the last committee and their chairman. Over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for charity."

Their idea is to form a new committee to run the carnival for at least the next two years, thereby ensuring there is an event during the Queen's Golden Jubilee year.

They would then hope to pass the baton on to others to look after in future years.

Coun Coulson said: "For some of the charities that have stalls, the carnival is their big fundraising day of the year.

"It is also very popular, bringing a lot of people together."