Otley'S popular Victorian Fayre faces the axe - unless more people come forward to help out.

The new chairman of the organising committee says unless more people are found by Easter the pre-Christmas event will either have to be much smaller or scrapped altogether.

In his stark message delivered at the committee's annual general meeting, new chairman Adrian Robertshaw said there was a desperate need for new members.

"The committee for this year's event is too small to organise the quality event that Otley has become used to.

"There are many tasks for which we need help such as secretary, stalls, safety and event programme," said Mr Robertshaw.

And he added people would have to be found to fill the posts in the next few months. He said: "Unless we have enough support to fill these posts by Easter, this year's event will have to be substantially scaled down, if not cancelled."

The event regularly attracts visitors from all over and the committee welcomes members from outside Otley.

l The next meeting of the committee is due to take place at The Red Lion, Otley on Monday. Anyone wishing to help out should go along to the meeting or telephone Adrian Robertshaw on (0113) -2585547.

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