IT’S been the highlight of a village calendar for decades.

But New Mill Gala could be confined to the Holme Valley history books unless new helpers are found.

Membership of the gala committee, which has organised the event since 1977, has dwindled over the last year.

Now the committee is at an all-time low with just five members.

Gala secretary Jane Rodgers says at least five new members – plus volunteers to set up and pack away equipment on the day – are needed for this summer’s gala to take place.

She said: “It’s a great shame that we are now in this position but we simply can’t run the event without more helpers.

“New Mill Gala is a real family event that villagers look forward to every year but as the committee has reduced in numbers it is becoming increasingly difficult to plan and manage the event.

“We are grateful to all our sponsors for their continued support throughout the years but we now need lots of manpower to ensure the event happens this year.”

Last year’s gala brought hundreds of people to enjoy the show off Coal Pit Lane.

Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants cheerleaders performed, Underbank Rangers under-8s rugby players put on a display and Skelmanthorpe Brass Band and Wooldale Junior School provided music.

Scholes School Long Sword Dancers performed, as did Act One children’s entertainers.

There was also a bouncy castle, fancy dress competitions, children’s races and stalls.

A gala queen, chosen at a gala queen disco in March, was also crowned.

This year’s gala is provisionally booked for June 18 with a choosing of the gala queen disco to take place at New Mill Club, Sheffield Road, on March 26.

If you would like to volunteer to help with this year’s New Mill Gala you are invited to attend the next gala meeting at New Mill Club on February 7 at 7.30pm.

Alternatively call Kath Haigh on 01484 662870 or Cynthia Osbourne on 01484 684362 for more information.