SATURDAY'S Carnock and Gowkhall Gala could well have been the last as fears have been raised over the gala's future.

The lack of volunteers for the fun day means next year's may not take place unless fresh faces come forward.

Ronnie Collins, committee member, said: "If people want the gala to continue, they need to turn up. That's the bottom line. We need people to take stock and realise what they'll be missing. There's not enough enthusiasm from parents. The final straw for me was when we were doing our door-to-door collections and we were turned away by parents whose kids went to the gala last year.

"It's a real shame for the kids as it's not their fault that the gala may no longer go ahead. At times it really wears you down.

"I've had every excuse in the book. It really is like pulling teeth at times. It is, of course, asking for people to give up their time and help, so you can't force anyone to volunteer. I would ask, though, to try and remember the gala days from years gone by and the memories made. It's a sense of pride in the village and you'd lose a sense of identity without the gala."

While there are doubts over next year's event, there can't be any doubts that this year's was a great success. The Methil Pipe Band kickstarted the day's entertainment, with Lorraine Taggart's School of Dance putting on a show, among other activities such as a fancy dress competition, pony rides, quad bikes and inflatables and a bouncy castle.

Mr Collins added: "It went exceptionally well at short notice. It was probably the biggest crowd we've had. And obviously the weather was our extra man on the day. I'd say there were between 700-800 there so it was a big turnout and I was quite surprised. There was constantly something for people to see or do. We had to stage last-minute events and we ended up having to cram everything in."

The committee is hosting its AGM on Monday at 7.15pm at Carnock Community Centre with volunteers required urgently.