A team of kind-hearted volunteers have stepped in to save this weekend’s Melksham Carnival, after fears a lack of marshals would force it to close.

The annual summer procession had been at risk when the organisers realised they were dangerously short of people to help manage the crowds, and took to social media sites to recruit more helpers.

Carnival secretary Beth Dark said: “Last Wednesday we had just 11 people, and needed 25 for it go ahead, or the police could have pulled out and we’d have had to cancel the parade.

“However we’ve had a really good response from people rallying round to help out. We put a post on Facebook and within minutes I had people phoning up offering to volunteer. Now we’ve got all the marshals we need, so it’s full steam ahead.”

Decorated floats will parade down the town’s High Street, accompanied by music and dancers.

Miss Dark said: “There will be the procession and dancing groups and much more. We are also very excited to have reggae and calypso singer Antigua Joe leading us out this year, so it’ll be a great night, whatever the weather.”

The procession starts at 5pm in the Cooper Tires car park, and will end with an awards ceremony for the best float.

After the carnival the town will be hosting the annual Party in the Park, which takes place at the King George V Playing Field.

The day will end with a freefall parachute jump by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, before a firework display closes the celebration.