AFTER being battered by rain for the last two years, the future of Dalton Carnival is at risk.

Carnival fever swept the streets of the town in 2016 despite heavy rain throughout the day, while health and safety fears saw this year's festival cancelled in anticipation.

Organisers will hold crisis talks next month, with a lack of volunteers meaning the carnival cannot continue in its current format.

Committee chairman Neil McDougall said: "There are no two ways about it; the carnival is in danger.

"It would be wonderful if we could get three or four new committee members in place but we also need volunteers to help plan the event and ensure the carnival runs smoothly.

"We must decide very shortly as to whether there is sufficient manpower to hold a parade next year and, at present, we are nowhere near.

"We need a wide range of skills and experience but the most important thing people need to have is enthusiasm and a desire to see the carnival continue."

The committee will face another blow with the departure of some existing members, while this year's cancellation is expected to have cost the committee around £5,000.

In 2015 more than 80 groups took part in the carnival.

Mr McDougall said: "It's absolutely imperative that we keep it going and I will do everything I can, but we cannot do that with the current numbers we have.

"The carnival attracts thousands of people who line the streets of Dalton each June and the greatest thing about it is the fact it brings the whole community together.

"People of all ages turn out to see the parade."

The committee's annual public meeting will take place at 7pm on Monday October 2 at the Dalton Community Church in Market Street.

In July, pupils from Newton Primary School raised more than £1,300 with their own parade following the cancellation of Dalton Carnival.