CARNIVAL lovers are being urged to do their bit to help one of the town's greatest traditions continue to flourish.

Organisers of this year's Radcliffe Carnival, to be held on June 4 and 5, are in need of volunteers to help with a variety of vital tasks over the weekend.

Local residents are being asked to offer their services as committee members, parade marshals, route marshals, field organisers, programme sellers, leaflet distributors, and sound technicians.

The committee also want as many local clubs and community groups as possible to take part in the annual parade through the town centre.

Carnival chairman Andrew Clarkson said: "There is a lot of work to be done so if people want to turn out for a few hours we would be very grateful. We also want people to get their thinking caps on and enter the parade to make it a real event. "Any groups or individuals who want to take part, either having a float or another kind of display for the parade, will be most welcome. We have about 20 people on the committee, but some will be on holiday and some aren't as mobile as others, so we need to find some active people who want to help out in the community."

Despite having to cut back on the budget for 2016's carnival, it is hoped that the superb community spirit seen at last year's 50th anniversary celebrations will be carried forward.

Mr Clarkson added: "The carnival is very expensive to stage. Last year we spent about £11,000 putting it on and we are having to cut back for 2016. We really pushed the boat out for the 50th and now we have to try and carry that spirit over on a smaller budget.

"Collections will be organised soon and we will have a bit of money coming in from that. Then before you know it, we'll be starting up again for next year.

"It's not as simple as it used to be, but we will do our very best to keep the tradition going as long as we can. We really want the community to be enthused by the idea of the carnival.

"There are a few ideas going around for what we can do, but we need more bodies to achieve that."

To volunteer, enter the parade, or organise a display or stall on Red Bank Field, call 07830 112123 or email carnivalchairman@live.com.