New volunteers come to the rescue of Much Wenlock Christmas Fair

Organisers of Much Wenlock Christmas Fair say they were inundated with offers of help in the three days after issuing an appeal for fresh faces to join the event's working group.

The call for help was made on Friday after the number of people on the organising committee dropped to just three, sparking fears the event would be called off. But organisers have now said this year's event will go ahead on December 6 as planned.

The fair has been run for 13 years, welcomes 120 stall holders and attracts more than 6,000 visitors each year.

Gail Hudson, chairman of the fair's working group and also chairman of the town's chamber of trade, thanked all those who had come forward.

She said: "We've had lots of people come forward so we'll be fine this year.

"It was only this year we've had problems but we didn't want to cancel it because then it could have lost its momentum and then it might not have got going again.

"We were down to just three on the committee so we launched an appeal on Friday.

"Since then we've had several offers of help so we'll hold a meeting in the near future to discuss what people can do.

"The fair has been run for 13 years and it attracts more than 6,000 visitors. We have more than 120 stalls as well as entertainment and all the usual stuff.

"We've got a great team of workers and then event is always great. However, we're always looking for volunteers, especially to help out on the day.

"We like to keep the working party reasonably small just because that way it's easier to get things done.

"It's a wonderful group, everyone knows what they have got to do and just gets on with it."

The fair has included a synthetic ice rink in the past, as well as dancers and singers, a mini-funfair and Santa's grotto.

A park and ride scheme will also run from Williams Brookes School in the town and the Plume of Feathers pub at nearby Harley.

To volunteer for the event call Mrs Hudson on (01952) 727779.