By JANE FIELD

ORGANISERS of Penketh Carnival are issuing an appeal to people in the district to help out with the biggest community event of the year.

The 25th annual carnival takes place on June 30 in traditional fashion after Warrington Walking Day.

It's a day of entertainment for the community and is also a vehicle for many groups to raise money.

But the committee of four Penketh residents which runs the event would like more hands on deck and more community spirit injected into the event.

"What we need is fresh ideas and more contacts," said committee chairman Joe Whittaker.

"People don't realise what goes on behind the scenes. We are particularly in need of younger people to help out on the day."

The carnival on Greystone Recreation Ground attracts 4,000-5,000 people every year.

It used to be a month-long event, starting with the fun run and involving a five-a-side competition, rounders and tug-of-war, but at the moment there is not enough interest to include all of these. But the committee members say it is something they would like to see revitalised.

"It would be nice to bring it all back. For example we particularly need someone to volunteer who knows the rules of tug-of-war because it is much more complicated than it appears," said secretary Irene Coates.

"We need to get some of the community spirit back and it would be great to get more people involved in doing this."

Duties for volunteers could include anything from putting up tents to marshalling.

Preparations for this year's event are well under way. It will begin with a parade including pupils from Penketh High School and a jazz band, while included in the carnival are birds of prey, donkeys from Blackpool, line dancing, a circus workshop, exotic animals, magical clowns, a fair, model boats, stationary engines, maggot racing and many stalls ending with a finale dance.

"It is a wonderful atmosphere and well worth the hard work," added Irene. "I would encourage everyone to get involved."

The committee meets once a month for two hours on the second Wednesday of each month at the Conservative Club, 7.30pm.

It raises money throughout the year for the event from holding dances to murder mystery nights and any leftover funds are given to local youth and community groups.

Anyone who would like to help, or find out more, can contact Irene on 724972 (day) or Joe on 728737 (evening).