SOUTH Lakes MP Tim Farron has issued a rallying cry to encourage local people to help out at this year's Kendal Torchlight Carnival.

Organisers have said they need at least eight to 12 people - otherwise the event will not happen.

Last year's Carnival successfully went ahead after a host of volunteers came forward after there was no Torchlight held in 2012 - the first time in 42 years.

In 2013, a fresh team of volunteers successfully 're-ignited' the carnival, and were able to reduce costs and raise financial support to cover some costs for 2014.

However, they still need sufficient people to volunteer for it to go-ahead, explained Mr Farron.

In particular they are urgently seeking people to take on the following responsibilities:

• Team Leader

• Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination

• Press and Media Coordination

• Web, Social Media and IT Coordination

• Fundraising and Grant Applications

• Sponsorship and Business Promotion

The roles are listed with more detail on the Torchlight website at http://www.kendaltorchlightcarnival.co.uk/how-to-get-involved/volunteers.aspx

Or on the group’s Facebook page, which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/kendal.torchlight

Mr Farron said: "Torchlight has been a wonderful event for the local community for many years, and the commitment and dedication of the team to re-start it last year was amazing.

"I want to thank them for all their efforts and I hope as a community we can build on that success and make 2014 Kendal Torchlight the best one ever!"

This year's Torchlight event takes place on Friday September 12.

The organisers said: "The Torchlight 2014 team will ideally consist of eight to 12 people who each take responsibility for one of the essential  functions. Without these jobs being completed, Torchlight doesn't happen.

"We're recruiting now simply because the workload is significantly reduced if we start early. Most jobs would be achievable within a few hours each week."

For more information, please visit http://www.kendaltorchlightcarnival.co.uk and see its volunteer page, or contact Simon McElroy on 07721 906030 or email simon@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk