THE future of Monmouth carnival is in doubt following the resignation of the organising committee.

The carnival, which attracted nearly 3,000 people when it was held earlier this month, has been plagued with problems over insurance cover and other administrative costs,

David Evans, acting chairman of the carnival committee, said members were stepping down due to "other commitments", putting the annual event's future into doubt.

He said that ultimately the decision was taken because of the pressure on a relatively small number of volunteers.

"We have spent at least four or five years trying to get a bigger committee. "There are six in the committee and a lot are in their 60s.

"We have struggled to try and increase that number and to get younger people involved.

"We had new members last year but it is not enough to push it forward. "It cost nearly £5,000 for this one day event.

"If it were not for the assistance of the town and county council and business community, it could not have been sustained.

"I suspect that unless a lot of people come forward, it will not continue in its present form."