TOP bosses of Wellington Carnival Committee have resigned their positions.

Dave Rylatt, chairman of the committee, and Louise Brierley, committee secretary, stood down from their posts at the annual general meeting on Sunday, March 17.

Mr Rylatt opened the meeting by thanking everyone for their support over the last six years.

He recognised the hard work of the committee, organising events which raised more than £70,000 that was donated to different groups and charities over the years.

But Ms Brierley expressed her 'disappointment' over the turn-out at the AGM, after several calls-to-action were voiced to gather more volunteers for the carnival.

She said: "I thought local people would have wanted to support and keep two of the towns major events running, especially following the announcement last year that another major event in our town Wellistock would not be going ahead.

"It is very sad, but everyone is so busy with life in general, community events will suffer.”

But a handful of people did turn up to offer their support, and then became new committee members.

An interim chairman has also been appointed, with Sharon Collins agreeing to take on the role for the next year.

The new chairman of the committee has experience of being part of a carnival group, as she has previously organised Honiton Carnival and has been involved in two carnival clubs.

She said: “I am really looking forward to working with Wellington, I am aware of the challenges we face but I am hopeful the community will work together to keep this very special traditional event that Wellington has going.

"Its not going to be easy especially not living in or being local to Wellington, but it would be so sad to loose another carnival in Somerset."

Miss Collins added she was grateful for the support of the South Somerset Federation of Carnivals, which attracts entries from towns such as Chard and Ilminster.

She added: "We had so many messages and emails from people saying they couldn’t attend the AGM but were willing to help; therefore we are hoping these people will attend the next committee meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at The Barley Mow.

"All has not been lost for Wellington."

Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact Sharon on 07962370176 or email wellingtoncarnival@gmx.com.