A CRISIS meeting has been called in a desperate bid to protect the future of one of the key strands in Saddleworth’s "greatest show in earth".

And unless a team of volunteers is found to support Dobcross Whit Friday United Effort, their legendary contribution to the great community spectacular could end this year.

The problems surfaced when a number of long standing committee members announced their intention to stand down after this year's contest on Friday, June 14.

And organisers paint a stark picture which would mean no more traditional walks in the morning, no children’s lunches, afternoon sports events and the end of hugely popular band contests in the evening.

Now, in a bid to rally support for the 50-year-old tradition, a meeting to encourage locals to support the event has been called at Dobcross band and social club.

The purpose of the meeting is to explain what volunteer duties are required to continue the tradition and to build and grow the pool of voluntary support.

Terry Lawless, the band club’s president, said: “The Whit Friday Band Contest provides a spectacle to rival anything in the world.

"However, with the entire enterprise dependent on unpaid volunteers, it’s important that the Dobcross community, particularly those new to the area, recognise this and get themselves involved.

“We’re not talking about huge commitment, just an hour or two can make a massive difference, with the priceless reward of being involved in delivering the greatest free show on earth.”

Paul Clegg, chair of the Dobcross Village Community Executive, said: “It would be a great loss to Dobcross and the wider Saddleworth community should the Whit Friday United Effort fall by the wayside due to lack of volunteers.

“However, from conversations I have had with residents I have the impression villagers will rally round the leadership at the meeting.

“Like everyone else, I want this tradition to continue and will help if I am needed,” he declared.

A few years ago, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, walked with Dobcross villagers on their annual pilgrimage to the massive Whit Friday assembly in Uppermill.

The United Effort meeting is at 7pm on Thursday, January 24 at Dobcross band and social club, Platt Lane.