Hedge End's long-running carnival is facing the end of the road after 80 glorious years unless more volunteers step forward to help run it.

A crisis meeting has been called for next Monday evening in the village hall in a bid to save the event which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

The carnival is one of the longest established events in the area but former carnival committee chairman Nick Wise says Monday's 7.30pm meeting could be make or break time.

He said: "For many years the carnival committee has struggled to put on the best event in the area with less members than other committees.

"But, with four members standing down this year, there are no longer enough people to form a committee. Unless more volunteers come forward it looks like it could be the end of the road for Hedge End's once great tradition."

Mr Wise said he had responded to an appeal in the Echo for volunteers in 1983.

"I am happy to have been able to get the carnival through to its 80th anniversary and I find it very difficult to imagine Hedge End without a carnival. But I do not consider it fair of the people of Hedge End to expect so few people to do the work needed for them to have a carnival."

He said organising the carnival week was a great way to make a positive contribution to society and was a hobby which benefited thousands of others.

"If anyone would like to contact me before the meeting they are welcome to telephone 01489 785041," he said.

"The quality of life in Hedge End is under threat and this could be the last chance to do something about it."

Earlier this year the carnival committee distributed £1,900 to a wide variety of good causes and the recent fireworks display raised a further £1,000.