LESS than three months after its most successful carnival ever, Wroughton could lose the event if at least half a dozen villagers don't volunteer to help the organisers.

"Six people have now retired from the committee. They have all worked very hard and they feel they have had enough. There's only so much people can do," said committee member Ros Grout, who's landlady of the Brown Jack pub.

"That leaves us with just six and we need a minimum of 12 to do the work that's involved."

She said that despite appeals for volunteers only one had come forward.

"It seems there are now too few people who are prepared to give their time."

This year's carnival, on July 8, raised a record £11,000 for local charities, topping the previous year's profit by £1,000.

And at least 4,500 people turned out to watch the parade of floats and more attended events on the village recreation ground the Weir Field, which ended with a spectacular firework display.

Hairdresser Sue Carter, her husband Dave, an engineer, and a Swindon council pest control officer, Tim Benson, have been involved with Wroughton Carnival since it was revived 11 years ago.

The three have now retired from the committee, of which Sue was secretary.

"We have worked so hard and so much is now in place, with all the information about past years, stored on disk that people should be able to just step in and take over," she said.

"It's fun to do," added Sue, who has seen profits soar from £250 in the carnival's first year.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Prospect Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, the old Princess Margaret Hospital children's ward, Silver Threads, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies and the village football and cricket clubs are among the local good causes that have benefited.

"It's phenomenal how it has grown, and it will be such a shame if this year's carnival was the last," added Sue.

There will be a meeting of the committee in the skittle alley at the Brown Jack at 8pm on Wednesday.

Prospective volunteers will be welcome.

"Even if people can give only an hour or so to make phone calls or do some typing we'd like to hear from them," said Ros.

They can call her on 01793 812403, or Sue Carter on 01793 812406.