ESTABLISHED for more than 50 years and as popular as ever with entrants, Colne's much-loved Luther Greenwood Memorial Festival is in danger of becoming a shadow of itself.

For despite its acclaim, the annual event could lose major elements as its speech, drama and music sections face being axed for lack of organisers.

It is the familiar story of stalwarts being relied on and the need for new blood being realised only when it is learned that they cannot go on for ever -- a fact made plain by the average of the festival committee being around 70.

Pride in the community and the volunteer spirit are called for -- and it will be a shame for future of performing arts and culture in East Lancashire if the festival is allowed to shrink so severely.