A HISTORIC carnival could be scrapped on its 160th birthday after a lack of volunteers has plunged the popular event into doubt.

Harwich could miss out on the tradition of the Guy Carnival this year if new helpers don't come forward.

The parade, which takes place every October, is unique to the town and sees revellers in fancy dress and huge papier-mache “Big Heads” join floats as they wind through the streets.

But this week, organisers the Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club, announced the carnival's future was hanging in the balance.

John wade, the 2014 rotary branch president, said:"If the carnival is to continue, then volunteers must be found in sufficient numbers."