ONE of the biggest events in the West Devon social calendar could be in jeopardy unless more people are found to help stage it.

Sticklepath Fireshow takes place every November and regularly draws huge crowds ? last year?s event was one of the most spectacular ever staged, enjoyed by around 2,500 spectators.

Fireshow committee spokesperson Fiona Hitchcock said the involvement of around 200 local people in making the show such a success was a demonstration of the commitment to the event in such a small community.

But she said the fireshow committee was now in urgent need of new members.

?If we don?t get additional support then there is a real danger that the event will not be able to continue,? said Fiona.

?We used to have six members but we?re now down to three and we just wouldn?t be comfortable trying to do it with that number.

?We need more people to bounce ideas off and when it gets to the actual show itself, there?s so much to do in the last two weeks we just couldn?t do it. We also need volunteers to assist with, for example, wood collection. ?

Fiona said a huge amount of forward

planning goes into organising the fireshow, because it has grown into such a big event.

?The wood collection starts about now but the actual planning starts in March. From then on we?re script writing, preparing visuals, starting to make costumes ? it goes on throughout the year? said Fiona.

Schools in the area also get involved towards November, making puppets to appear in the performance.

She said anyone would be very welcome to join the fireshow committee ? they do not have to live in Sticklepath and do not have to be skilled in any way.

The monthly meetings are held in village pubs and Fiona said they are very informal affairs.

?It?s very light-hearted ? because it?s such an interesting idea, it really is extremely good fun,? she said.

Fiona said reaction to last year?s huge event had been brilliant and worth all the effort in staging it.

?Comments from the audience ranged from ?one of the best shows ever? to ?we were amazed at the effort that must have gone into it?,? she said.

Anyone interested in joining the fireshow committee, or who wants to find out what the involvement entails, should call Fiona Hitchcock on 840602 or come along to the annual meeting, which will be held on March 13 at 8pm in the Devonshire Inn at Sticklepath ? all are welcome.

The annual fireshow party to thank the helpers of the show is being held on Saturday February 15 in The Phoenix Bar, Kings Arms, South Zeal, where there will be refreshments and a video of last year?s show to enjoy ? 6.30pm to 7.30pm children/8pm adults.

Any helpers from last year?s show who would like to come along should RSVP by Friday February 7 to Jan Goodwin on 840136.