AN HISTORIC village gala will be axed unless new volunteers come forward to run it.

The warning was issued this week after the organising committee stepped down at the event's annual meeting.

Cowling Gala was first held over 75 years ago and village causes have raised thousands of pounds through it.

But outgoing secretary Joanne Winstanley said appeals for new helpers had drawn a blank.

“I’ve committed to running this event for the last nine years and for the past few have been wanting to resign but no one’s come forward," she said.

"The rest of the outgoing committee have been in place for about six years and they too can’t go on for another year.

"We called for a new secretary and committee via the last newsletter, but had no response.

"There is enough money saved to run next year’s gala, it just needs a handful of people to make it happen – and of course more help on the day.”

Now a 'make or break' meeting is planned at the Bay Horse pub in the village, on October 8, at 7.30pm.

If no one volunteers, the gala will be scrapped.

Judith Silberberg, secretary of Cowling Village Hall, pays tribute to the outgoing committee.

"It has done a fantastic job over the years," she said.

"The 2014 event was another cracking day enjoyed by many in Cowling and was a platform for raising funds for other voluntary groups, like the village hall which raised £250 running the beer tent.

"I’d like to thank all those who volunteered their time and especially Jo Winstanley, as she has borne the brunt of the organisational work for a long time.

"I know of another village in the area that hasn’t had a gala for over two years. It would be such a shame if Cowling’s had to fold."

Mrs Silberberg added: "I’ve been the gala secretary in the past so would be happy to help mentor a new committee, but I can’t take the job on because of my other voluntary commitments."