A charity carnival has been forced to pack up after a plea for more volunteers proved unsuccessful.

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

The carnival committee launched an appeal last year to find new blood to take the event into the 21st Century, but had no response.

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

Mr Narramore, who was at the helm of the committee for 24 years, issued the appeal for volunteers last year amid fears that the town could lose part of its heritage.

Yesterday, a spokesperson for the outgoing committee, said they were disappointed to see the event fold, and were hoping for someone to step in at the 11th hour to keep the tradition going in the town.

She 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 it on.

"It is with great sadness that it is having to fold.

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported the charity carnival in the past, both businesses and members of the public."

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

Proceeds from the event have gone to charities throughout North Yorkshire.

The committee's spokesperson said letters would be sent 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.