A carnival could fold unless more volunteers are found to help run it.

Northallerton charity carnival has been running successfully for the past 24 years, but could face extinction without an injection of new blood.

The news has broken at the same time as the resignation of carnival committee chairman, Colin Narramore, after 24 years.

No one has yet taken up the position.

The carnival is run through sponsorship, and funds are raised through a series of fundraising events. Along with the annual fair and Christmas lights display, it has been one of the town's most popular events.

Mr Narramore said yesterday that the carnival needed new direction to take it in to the new millennium.

He said: "I have spent the last 24 years leading this organisation and I feel proud about what it has achieved, but I would hate to see it fold and wither into nothing.

"We need somebody, and moreover new members, to give the group a new lease of life, and keep an important part of Northallerton's history alive."

All proceeds from the carnival go to charities in the North Yorkshire area, which will be hit if the event is axed.

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

Mr Narramore said: "We've done it before and I'm sure we can do it again. All we need is support and this group can continue to operate.

"I would encourage anyone who is interested to come forward and help."

Anyone wanting to join the committee of the Northallerton carnival can contact Mr Narramore on (01609) 771161.