Organisers fear a popular Christmas market could be cancelled unless somebody with suitable experience comes forward to lead the event.

Wymondham's annual fair, held on the first Thursday in December, is in jeopardy after members of town's Lions group, who have previously taken the brunt of the organisation, have moved away or are unable to devote as much time because of work commitments. Volunteers are now needed to help with this year's fair and take the event forward.

President of Wymondham Lions Club, John Wilde, said the group was still keen to run the market, or something similar, but needed help from members of the public and local businesses.

'The Christmas fayre has gone on for the last 25 years and there has always been one person who takes overall charge because it's quite a big operation,' he said. 'We're OK for bodies but we need somebody with the time and knowledge to be the boss.'

The fair began as a Dickensian evening to help the town's retailers, during which shopkeepers and visitors dressed in Dickensian costumes for a Christmas market run by the town's Lions Club.

'Anyone who can contribute is welcome, with someone who has good organisational ability ready to help take the lead,' Mr Wilde added.

'We need somebody who knows the town and has the time to oversee the budget and entertainment and organise the stalls and make sure they're on top of the whole shebang.

'We've thought about doing a smaller thing on the last Saturday in November but we really need to get interested people together who are willing to go forward and see how we do.'

A public meeting could be held on June 25, at a time and location to be decided, if enough people come forward.

Volunteers can contact the Lions at wymondhamlions@gmail.com or call 0845 8335749.