A DOOMED country fair in Cricklade has been saved by a whisker after a campaign doubled new volunteer members – to two.

Organisers of the Cricklade Show threatened to pull the summer event, which draws around 8,000 visitors each year, if more people did not step forward to help run it.

Jo Howse, who recently stood down as show chairman after ten years, said the existing eight committee members could not cope with the demands any longer.

But in a crunch meeting last week, the event was rescued when new volunteer Mark Clarke was elected as chairman and an extra volunteer came forward.

Jo was thrilled to have the support but was shocked that more people from the town were not willing to help.

Mr Clarke, who is also a Cricklade town councillor, said it would have been a shame to lose the event, which had been running for more than 70 years.

He said with the extra numbers, the committee was keen to continue working on the 2012 show and hoped to make it a fantastic day out for the people of Cricklade and beyond.

"It may not be quantity on the committee," he said, "but it is quality."

However the setback means that the team are well behind schedule and will have to work hard to get everything booked up by August 27.

Since it started, the bank holiday Monday event at Upper Broadleaze Farm has grown from an agricultural show to a country fair, that raises thousands for local charities. Last year it featured 400 horses, 250 dogs, live entertainment, 50 trade stalls and much more.

Without the extra committee members, Jo Howse said the spectacle would have been scaled back to a simple horse show. But now it is just the dog companion section that is hanging in the balance, as a secretary is still needed for this part of the event.

For more information and to volunteer, contact Mark Clarke on 01793 750099, or Jo Howse on 07881 817904 or johowse-naf@tiscali.co.uk