The future of a long-running festival at a North Norfolk seaside village could be in doubt unless more people step forward to help as volunteers and sponsors.

The 27th Mundesley Festival looks to have made a loss of about �1,500 this year which would mean eating in to the event's reserves, said general manager Derek Kirk.

Some events such as a Richard Digance comedy evening were packed, with extra seating put out to house 190 people in the village's Coronation Hall, which was also full for the Jonathan Wyatt Big Band.

But other evenings played to half-full audiences - including big name 1960s acts Brotherhood of Man and John Stokes' Bachelors.

Mr Kirk said the turnouts on some nights were disappointing especially for the better known acts as they had received the most publicity.

But he was also concerned about the lack of sponsorship from local businesses and that only a handful of people had offered to help out during the week early in August.

'I am fed up with people promising help and not providing it,' he added. 'We need more sponsors and helpers. If not it will be a case of 'use it or lose it' with the festival.'

The event was well supported by the parish council but it cost �8,000 to pay the artists alone. Last year the festival made �300. This year it was set to make a loss, but had still managed to collect �404 in charity cash for the East Anglian Children's Hospice over the week of events.

Despite only playing to about 70 people the Brotherhood of Man had enjoyed their grip to Mundesley, said Mr Kirk. They event attracted three fans who made a special trip from their home in Germany to see them.

The festival was a boost to the village, attracting extra people to the area, and providing entertainment for holidaymakers and locals alike. So he hoped the community would rally round and support it.

Anyone able to help with major sponsorship or help with organisation should contact Mr Kirk by mid October on 01263 721189 or 07867 632998.