AFTER 750 years, Winkleigh Fair could be coming to an end unless extra volunteers can be found.

At the fair annual general meeting on September 10, the fair committee, which has run the fair for the last six years, resigned, and only two people have come forward to form a new committee.

As well as organising the Fair Week every year in July, the committee organises the Christmas lights event each December. Without a new committee, neither of these events will take place.

Maxine Morpurgo from Winkleigh Fair Committee said: 'It would be a great shame if the 750th Winkleigh Fair held in July this year is the last one. We need to try to get as many people as possible to turn up and form a new committee.

'A minimum of five people are needed to form a new Winkleigh Fair Committee. Unless more people come forward to join the committee, Winkleigh Fair will come to an end.'

This year marked the 750th Winkleigh Fair, with a group of hardy volunteers ensuring the week of activities could go ahead despite the wet weather conditions. Youngsters from Winkleigh Primary put on a show, and more than 200 people turned out for the Winkleigh's Got Talent show.

More than 30 stallholders were at the fair on Saturday, July 14, kicking off a day crammed with activities. There was a fancy dress parade, archery and sword-fighting lessons, an obstacle course, and tug-of-war contests.

An extraordinary general meeting will be held on Monday, September 24 at 8pm in Winkleigh Community Centre. Anyone interested in becoming part of the committee and helping preserve the future of the fair and Christmas lights event is asked to attend.