A SHORTAGE of volunteers will see Cowling Gala being scaled back to a fun day.

"They're now calling it a fun day," said Cowling parish clerk Andrew Mallinson. "They couldn't afford the expense of road closure for the parade of floats through the middle of Cowling.

Fun Day treasurer Rob Partridge said: "We simply didn't have enough volunteers to run the procession. There will be more stalls and we're moving the fell race forward so that more people can come earlier in the day. Other than that the event will be as it's always been, but without a procession.

"We'll be keeping up the tradition as close to the original as we can. If people enjoy it and are happy with the style and format, then maybe we won't need as many volunteers in the years ahead."

The event - which will be held at Cowling Recreation Ground on Saturday, July 30 - has attracted a £500 grant from the parish council because it has a "good feel factor for the village"

Anyone interested in volunteering should email cowling-gala@outlook.com.