NEW blood is needed to help organise Neyland's annual Brunel festival.

Since its launch in 1988, the festival has treated local people to a remarkable variety of community events and entertainments.

From walks and talks to teas, discos, cabaret and concerts, it has included contributions from Neyland Ladies Choir and guest artistes such as Connie Fisher, Bryan Hoey and Sarah Benbow.

The festival committee also brought together the efforts of others; synchronising events put on by Churches Together who organize the annual Songs of Praise celebration, Judo club, Neyland Golf Society, Classic car show, Neyland Yacht Club and many others.

The festival is named after the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel who is regarded as the founder of the town of Neyland.

In its 28-year history, the committee has raised thousands of pounds for good causes including Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Some of its members also set up the Brunel Memorial Committee, which successfully fundraised for the bronze statue of Brunel which was unveiled by HRH the Prince of Wales in July 1999.

But membership of the committee has been dwindling over recent years, and new members are needed to help boost the festival's profile, and how much it can achieve.

Association president and founder member Dr Simon Hancock, said: "We have been really fortunate over the years in the calibre of the chairpersons, Pat Gilbert, Anita Williams and Gareth Hopkins, and Ken Edwards as hard-working vice chairman.

"They have been first-rate organisers who accomplished much.

"I am so proud of what has been achieved since 1988 and I know that there is a great deal more to do in helping to make community life in Neyland diverse and catering for all tastes."

Anyone interested is requested to contact either Dr. Simon Hancock on 01646 601081 or chairman Gareth Hopkins on 01646 762275.