ROSSENDALE Valley Motorbike show is under threat because of dwindling volunteers, it has been revealed.

The show, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country each year will not go ahead in September unless more helpers can be found.

At the show's annual general meeting held at Haslingden Cricket Club, 22 of the 32 committee positions were left vacant leading organisers to question the future of the event.

Organisers say volunteer numbers have been dwindling for the past three years, with more work falling on fewer shoulders A meeting is being held on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to fill the empty places.

The show's chairman, Wayne Greenhalgh, said: "We would like as many people as possible to attend the meeting so that the 14th show has a chance of getting off the ground."

Only last month former presenter of ITV's Catchphrase, Roy Walker, stepped-in to help present cheques to charities from the thousands of pounds raised by the show. Scores of charities benefited from the money raised at last year's show that was attended by more than 65,000 people.

A tourism spokesman for Rossendale Council said: "If the bike show is to cease it would be a real tragedy. People are already booked into accommodation this year ahead of the show. It would have a knock-on affect for the whole town. "I really do hope people will support the show and come forward and volunteer."

Rossendale Council leader Duncan Ruddick said he was shocked by the news and urged volunteers to help prevent the show's demise. He said: "I would be very sorry if it doesn't go ahead.

"It's the big event in Rossendale which everybody looks forward to every year and attracts more than 60,000 visitors.

"It does a lot of good not only for charity but for the businesses in the town helping boost the local economy and by putting Rossendale on the map."

He added: "I would anybody who is interested in helping the town to offer a few hours of their time to prevent the biggest event in Rossendale from disappearing."

The meeting is being held at Haslingden Cricket Club starting at 7.30pm.