THE resignation of Chippenham's carnival committee on Monday night means that the historic event faces extinction.

Despite numerous appeals for support, no-one stepped forward to take on the running of the town's historic event.

Established in 1923, the carnival raised thousands of pounds for local charities. At one time it engaged the whole town in a week of activities, culminating in a grand parade.

Now support and enthusiasm for the event has waned and nobody is prepared to take up the reins and run the summer event.

"It's a real shame," said carnival historian Don Little.

"But the people of Chippenham are to blame they did not support it."

Carnival committee chairman Neil Parsons, who resigned on Monday, said it was sad the carnival had died.

"There will be no carnival this year. People just do not care," he said.

Only two members of the public attended the final annual meeting.

Mr Parsons said he was disappointed because last year's event had drawn large crowds.

The committee consisted of four members, with procession secretary Helen Baker, Corinna Parsons, and acting treasurer John Gill working alongside Mr Parsons.

Now the four members will act as trustees for the remaining carnival funds.

They decided to make an award of £1,066 to the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre.

They want the funds to be used to buy a special display cabinet to hold the carnival trophies.

"Don Little is writing a history of Chippenham Carnival, and we hope to include this in the display when it is published," said Mr Parsons.

The remaining £2,000 is likely to be used for a charity wishing well.

The committee would like the wishing well to be situated near the town centre, so different charities can use the proceeds every year.