FINGERS are crossed that Purton Carnival has been brought back from the brink of extinction after villagers answered a desperate call for volunteers.

Organisers warned this year’s event could be the last if more people were not prepared to get involved and help out.

But several residents turned out to the annual meeting on Sunday and showed an interest in joining the committee.

Founder member Mary Nettleton said: “It is far more hopeful than it was.”

“There were 13 people at the meeting which is a lot better than what we normally have. One person definitely said he was going to join the committee,” she said. Others wanted to find out more.

“The whole thing about a new lot taking over is they can do what they want, so if they want to change things they can.”

A few of the committee were prepared to stay on for 2018, but she said: “I will not do another year unless there is enough support to make it viable.”

She stressed “I don’t think it is 100 per cent certain yet.” Not many who went to the meeting to were able to give their full support.

The hope is that more people, including those who couldn’t get to the annual meeting, will go to the first committee meeting this Sunday at the Royal George.

The committee started back in 2013 after Purton Helping Hand’s carnival disbanded and the main aim was to provide a programme of entertainment for the village as well as raise money for local good causes.

But earlier this month Mrs Nettleton explained many members who did the work of planning, running and clearing up after events were tired and ready to hand over the reins to new members.

While some local people were happy to help out one the day with things like marshalling, committee members with new ideas and time to commit to organising events were needed.

She warned that if enough people failed to come forward at the annual meeting there would be no carnival next year.

As well as the main carnival day and procession they run several events through the year including a visit by Santa and his elves in the run up to Christmas.

Bingo sessions, village quizzes and a traditional fete were also held. This year’s teddy bears’ picnic proved very popular with 42 youngsters under five joining in the fun and games.

It has also made donations to several local causes, from £45 in 2014 to pay for five parenting books at Purton Library and £47 for paint to spruce up the exterior of the scout hut, to £2,400 in 2015 for a community defibrillator.

That year £400 was also given to the Silver Threads Club to buy new lightweight tables and £200 was donated towards Purton Community Café.

Last year it contributed towards the Purton Remount Depot memorial that was unveiled earlier this year, commemorating the work of men and women who trained horses and mules for the First World War battlefields.

The committee meeting starts at 7pm. Anyone interested in joining can also call 01793 772298 for more information.