NEWTON POPPLEFORD’s carnival may be at the end of the road.

Organisers say that unless more people come forward to organise the annual event, the colourful parade down High Street in October could be cancelled - never to return.

An appeal for help has been circulated to local residents, and will be highlighted at the carnival committee’s AGM on Friday, January 17.

The grim warning that the carnival could be cancelled for ever came this week from Shan Merritt, who writes the Newton Poppleford and Harpford parish council newsletter and maintains its website.

“There is now a serious danger that this wonderful and fun event could come to an end due to lack of people to help organise matters,” she said.

The carnival costs around £3,500 to stage, including insurance, prize money, generator hire, road closure licence, signage and so on. Funds to pay for it are raised locally through fetes, coffee mornings and other events.

Last year’s carnival ran smoothly. However, only one float was entered from the Newton Poppleford parish.

If you can help contact chairman Jackie Barnard (01395 567803), or Geoff Tenney (01395 568466).

The carnival committee’s AGM is held at Newton Poppleford Village Hall at 8pm on January 17.