A PLEA has been issued for volunteers to help keep Bridport’s Christmas Festival alive.

It was in 2006 when the festive fixture was cancelled with no-one prepared to run it.

Frances Pearsall agreed to co-ordinate the event in 2007 and, with Arthur Woodgate as chairman, has been at the helm ever since.

The once vibrant and enthusiastic committee no longer exists and the two of them, with input from town surveyor Daryl Chambers, have been left running it on their own.

Shirleyann Coombs, whose daughter is Bridport Carnival Princess, has just volunteered to help but more help is needed.

Mr Wood-gate said: “The Christmas Festival seems to be getting bigger and bigger, and the festival organising group smaller and smaller.

“The sad fact is that if events such as this aren’t supported then they will fade away. This has happened before.

“I remember a few years ago walking through a town crowded with people looking for a Christmas Festival and finding nothing. That prompted me to get involved and, five years later, I’m still involved.”

This year’s event is scheduled to go ahead on December 5.

Ms Pearsall said: “We really need some more help, some new blood, some thoughts.”

Meanwhile, proceeds from Christmas cards designed by school pupils to be sold as part of the Christmas Festival have also been handed over.

Carnival Princess Jade Coombs handed over the £50 profits to Diane Cook at the Julia’s House charity shop in Bridport.

n Contact Ms Pearsall on 01308 425298 and Mr Woodgate on 01308 423767 or a.c.woodgate @btinternet.com to help.