KIDDERMINSTER Carnival Committee has folded after 23 years of running the town's popular annual event.

No one responded to appeals to take over running the fun day held at Brinton Park every June, complete with a street parade and carnival queen competition.

The committee was formally dissolved at last week's final annual meeting and money left in the committee's bank account, totalling £700, will be presented to Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Scheme, in accordance with the constitution.

Nightstop, which provides emergency accommodation for young homeless people in volunteers' homes, was the last main beneficiary of carnival funds, receiving £500 from the 2014 carnival.

Leading members of the committee, chairman Colin Hill, president Peter Picken and carnival queen organiser Ann Jones announced their retirement a year ago, but no one came forward to take over and no carnival was held last year.

Mr Hill, who had originally offered to take on the running of the event for 10 years after Kidderminster Round Table was forced to quit due to falling membership, thanked the nine-strong committee for their hard work.

Mr Picken said: "Special thanks are due to Colin who put more work into organising the carnival than anyone else, ensuring its survival for so many years after taking it on from Round Table."

The carnival will be replaced with a Brinton's Bash organised by Quads and Castles boss Dave Griffin, on Saturday June 4.

It will include a funfair, stalls and arena displays followed by an open-air concert featuring Wyre Forest bands. He also hopes to have a fireworks finale and a donation will be given to a local charity.

Anyone wishing to help with the organisation of the event, in advance or on the day, or to offer sponsorship, should contact Mr Griffin on 07799 063021.