ORGANISERS of the Littleport Show have been forced to abandon the event this summer because of a lack of support. They had planned to stage the one-day event in July but decided to call a halt to the show when they failed to fill places on the committee.

ORGANISERS of the Littleport Show have been forced to abandon the event this summer because of a lack of support.

They had planned to stage the one-day event in July but decided to call a halt to the show when they failed to fill places on the committee.

Last year the show made a loss and committee members handed out more cash to charity than they actually made in profit.

But they plan to hold their annual evening concert in July which proved a great success last summer.

Show chairman, Martin Law, whose grandfather served on the show committee in 1913, said: "People don't want to commit themselves. They don't want to give up their time. The village is getting bigger but the support is getting smaller. We need younger people to come forward.

"But the show has certainly not been disbanded. There are still some stalwarts and the committee is still there. We are not going anywhere.

"Last year it was a job to clear the field after the show. Everyone had had enough. But we hope the show will be back next year."

The Littleport Show, which costs up to £30,000 to stage, is seen as one of the biggest events in the district by organisations such as the Littleport Horticultural Society and the WI who set up stalls to raise their own funds.

Last year, around 2,000 people attended the show but organisers need more people through the gate to guarantee its success.

Littleport WI secretary, Rosemary Coleman, said that the show provides 90 per cent of the group's funds for the year.

"We concentrate all our efforts on the show and generally find that supports us through the year," she said. "We rely on it. We will probably be all right this year but would have to rethink if it were not to go ahead next year.

"All our members pitch in and help, making home-made cakes and sandwiches. We are very disappointed that it's not going ahead but look forward to making the teas again next year."

Launched in the 1880s, the event began as the Littleport Horticultural and Poultry Show.

In 1914 enquiries were made to include a flying machine as one of the attractions. But committee members pulled the plug on the idea when the £100 cost proved too expensive.

The show, which stopped during the two World Wars and took another break in the 60s, was resurrected in the 70s by the village sports clubs and run as a fete before growing into the present day-long extravaganza.

Former show director and Littleport councillor, Andy Wright, said: "I think it's sad that it won't take place this year but I understand the essential need for a lot of help."

INFO: If you would like to volunteer for the committee or can offer any financial support, contact Martin Law on 01353 861543.