By FAYE PATTON

A FOUR centuries old Lake District procession and ceremony is in danger of folding unless a new organiser is found.

The traditional Rushbearing ceremony at St Oswald’s Parish Church in Grasmere is in danger of being condemned to the history books unless volunteers to run the ancient event step forward.

Churchwarden Sonia Rickman, who has worshipped at St Oswald's for 55 years and has organised the volunteers at the Rushbearing for the past three years, has announced she is quitting the role.

“I simply can't do it anymore," she said. "It is a shame but these traditions are dying out all over. Our volunteers are getting on and can’t do it anymore, they’re all in their 80s."

Rushbearing is an eagerly anticipated event in the village's summer calendar and residents and visitors turn out in their hundreds to witness the colourful procession of rushes carried by six maids of honour.

The tradition dates back to when church floors were still made of earth and bodies were buried beneath.

Parishioners used sweet-smelling rushes to maintain the cleanliness of the church and help insulation.

With the introduction of flagstone floors in churches in the 19th century, Rushbearing began to die out. St Oswald’s remains one of only five churches in Cumbria that continues with the ceremony.

In order for the tradition to continue, the church requires a group of new volunteers to take over its organisation.

This year the band and police are already organised, but volunteers would need to take over the organisation of the rushes and recruiting children from the village primary school, as well as arranging flowers and tea for the church and supervising children on the day.

Anyone looking to take over should contact Sonia on 015394 35603 before the end of April to allow time for the final preparations.