CINDERFORD'S hugely popular annual carnivals will be no more.

The committee behind an event which was once one of the biggest and best in the west of England have given gifts of cash to 13 local organisations – the final act to wind up years of fun and community activity in the town.

Carnival chairman Graham Morgan spoke this week of his regret at the passing of the event – and his hopes that a new festival will rise from the ashes.

"Perhaps it had outlived itself. I hope there will be others to take up the challenge and give Cinderford another community-based event in its place," he said.

Mr Morgan said that it had become increasingly difficult for the committee to organise a major programme.

"None of us were getting any younger and it was the work on the ground which was becoming harder. Unfortunately there were few younger people willing to become involved and we decided it was time to call it a day," he explained.

Mr Morgan said the carnival had provided a platform for many local charities to raise money - as many as 20 organised fund-raising projects on carnival day.

Long serving secretary Margaret Bevan praised the committee for the work and time they had put in to making the event so successful.

"There was always a lot to do but everyone did their best to make it such a success," she said.

Mrs Bevan was joined by treasurer Eric Harrison and committee members Jean Jenkins and Lloyd Wilce, who is mayor of Cinderford, to hand over a cheque for £250 to Dean Hall School.

Others to receive donations were: Cinderford RFC, Mcmillan Nurses, MS Cinderford, RBL Cinderford, Cinderford Scouts, Foxes Bridge Centre, Cinderford Health Centre, Dilke Hospital, Oakdene School, Heywood School, Forest View and Colliers Court.

The total sum was £2,260.

•Let's celebrate the carnivals of the past. If you have a Cinderford Carnival photograph send it to us and help to make up a page from the past recalling one of the great traditions of the Forest.