NO-ONE has answered the organiser of Sidmouth Carnival's plea for a replacement to take on the running of next year s procession.

NO-ONE has answered the organiser of Sidmouth Carnival's plea for a replacement to take on the running of next year's procession.

Last year, Stuart Hughes warned this September's procession would be the last for the town unless someone came forward to take over the reins.

Now he fears that prediction may come true as he has not heard from any interested takers.

He said: "I announced at the end of last year that the 2008 procession would be the last I shall be organising and I don't intend changing my mind.

"Seventeen years is a very long time for one person to organise an event.

"The problem is no-one seems to want to commit themselves to take on the running of the carnival and, with the ever escalating costs of public liability insurance and unnecessary red tape, I honestly believe this year may well be the last procession ever to be seen in Sidmouth and that would be a great shame."

Planning for this year's September 6 procession is stepping up a gear with the road closure orders and collecting permits already obtained and entry forms and collecting tin labels printed.

Mr Hughes, who in the last few years has struggled to get help for the crowd-pulling event, said: "We shall not be having a band in the procession this year as, by and large, they are all booked and the expense is one cost we can do without.

"There will, however, be some majorette troupes."

Once again carnival member Graham Troman will organise the Carnival Queen and anyone interested should contact him on (01395) 512564.

The Queen will only have to head Sidmouth's procession and will be transported in an open top car.

Both Stuart and Graham are delighted with the level of donations that have been received so far towards the running of the procession.

They are, however, appealing for more donations and anyone interested should contact either Stuart on (01395) 578414 or Graham on 512564.