The Cricklade Show will go ahead next year, even though there are not enough volunteers to run a cattle section at the event.

Despite this section being one of the main attractions of the day, organisers are prepared to carry on without it.

But they hope someone will come forward and run it, so that the Show will be the success it has been over previous years.

The Cricklade Show is the largest one day show in Wiltshire and, due to a lack of volunteers, was in danger of not going ahead next year for the first time since World War Two.

Four of the committee members have recently retired from their posts.

Committee secretary Lorraine Della was surprised at people's apathy and reluctance to help save the show.

"We had almost no response after the Adver helped us by putting an appeal in the paper," said Mrs Della.

"We thought at least a few people might offer to help, but no one has come forward.

"The sheep secretary, who had resigned from the committee, has agreed to come back and do it for one more year so the show will go ahead.

"But it's not fair for some of the organisers to keep coming back year after year to do all the work."

Mrs Della said there was some debate between members about whether or not to go ahead without the cattle section.

"Some people were saying we could not have an agricultural show without a cattle section.

"But we thought about the local groups that might miss out if the show did not go ahead and decided to have it anyway without the cattle," she said.

Many of the 12 committee members will have to double up in their roles and take on extra work so that the show can go ahead.

But Mrs Della has warned this is the last year the committee members will be able to take on this volume of work.

"If more people do not come forward to help out next year, then the show will have to be cancelled," she said.

The show, which attracts thousands of people annually, also raises thousands of pounds for local groups.

Last year, the £4,000 raised was distributed between five playgroups around the area.

If anyone is willing to take on the organisation of the cattle section, Mrs Della would be delighted to hear from them.

She said there would be plenty of help available from other members of the committee.

To volunteer, ring Mrs Della on Swindon 344848.