PEOPLE in Corton were this week urged to get behind their village carnival – or risk losing it.

The appeal came from the committee planning next year's carnival and fete after just two people turned up at a public meeting to rally support for the event, scheduled to take place in July.

Last year, between 1,500 and 2,000 people gathered in Corton to enjoy a day-long programme of displays and entertainment – culminating in a colourful carnival parade with 25 floats.

Money raised at the event also boosted three charities, with East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the RNLI Lowestoft lifeboat sharing �1,200.

But after the success of that event, organisers said they were 'very disappointed' by the poor attendance at last week's meeting and they have arranged another next week in the hope of a better turn-out.

Eileen Hillman, a member of the organising committee, urged villagers to show their support.

'The committee need your help and ideas to help make next year's event the best yet,' she said.

The carnival and fete has only been running for two years but has become Corton's biggest annual community event.

The first event in 2009 also raised �1,200 for good causes.

Next year's carnival is due to take place on Sunday, July 10. But the organising committee says that without support from local people there is a genuine risk it may have to be cancelled.

Ryan Holt, another committee member, said: 'It's now a case of 'support it or lose it'... It's very frustrating that you get the massive turn-out to the event, but very little support when it comes to organising it.'

The public meeting to discuss plans for the 2011 carnival takes place at Corton Primary School on Wednesday at 7.30pm, and organisers say it is open to everyone – including those willing to volunteer on the day or to help by running a stall.

Those who cannot attend the meeting but have ideas for the event should contact Eileen on 01502 733452.