WAREHAM Carnival organisers are urging new volunteers to step forward, to help safeguard the future of the popular event.

Carnival chairman Ian Davy said: "It really worries me that people do not realise how close we are to losing such wonderful events as the summer carnival and Christmas Santa parade because people just don't want to give up a few hours to keep these community events going.

"Weymouth and Dorchester have recently cancelled carnivals due to a lack of volunteers.

"There is always going to be washing to do, home chores and excuses but what is important is family fun and quality time – don't let Wareham loose its few volunteers because they are doing to much. Help or loose."

Earlier this year Wareham Conservative Club hosted the Wareham Carnival 2019 launch night.

This year's theme is 'Dancing Through The Decades'.

Ian said: "A big thank you to Perenco , Morgan Carey, Cribbs tyres, Purbeck ice cream, The Monday club, Duke of wellington, Hawks in the forest, Purbeck property, Pine martin grange, JT Commercials for their financial contributions which has raised over £3,000 so far towards carnival day, which costs in excess of £8,000 to put on.

"It was also a delight to announce that a small profit was made last year and that amount was donated to the Wareham cubs, the Air Training Corp, Lady St. Mary school, Wareham in Bloom, the Wareham Beavers and the Muddlecombe Men ,all of which helped last year and have offered their support again.

"Carnival week is going to be a fun packed week with a programme coming out in June offering loads of prizes to be won."

Carnival day will take place on July 21 this year.