THOUSANDS of people made their way to Colne on Saturday to the town's main event of the year.

But Colne Gala committee member Sue Bulut said more volunteers and sponsors were needed or the popular event could face the chop.

The annual Colne Gala, held on the Holt House Playing Fields, was busier than ever with between 2,000 and 3,000 people attending but with fewer sponsors and only three members left on the committee, concerns over its future are growing.

Sue said: "Any money we raise is for charity but by the time we have paid out for entertainment the profit is getting less and less. This is because we are not getting enough sponsors in.

"When we used to have the procession through Colne to the gala field more companies used to support us but since the procession stopped about three years ago they have all dropped off.

"I want to thank the Pendle Community Network who have sponsored the clown and other local businesses who have made donations but we still need more help. We could also do with more people helping out on the committee.

"If we got a lot more people involved and had enough people for stewards we might even be able to start up the procession again.

"I'd like to see more local groups and schools joining in as well. This year we had children from St Michaels and All Angels doing some line dancing, which was good. It is the only big event in Colne for families and we don't want it to fold but with only three of us it is getting harder and harder."

There were also majorette groups, including the Lancashire Red Rose from Blackburn and the Twighlight Twirlers from Leeds, fairground rides, a clown, a rodeo show, cheerleaders, stalls and refreshments.

Anyone wanting to get involved with next year's gala or wanting to sponsor the event should contact Sue on 01282 860265.