Otley's carnival went without a hitch. Pool-in-Wharfedale's Feast managed to remain a dry occasion. Horsforth Sports Day was a fantastic success.

But year after year we hear the same thing - there are just not enough volunteers.

People seem to have such enthusiasm for the event, but as soon as it comes to a bit of hard graft, the very same people disappear.

It really is a shame that they think they can't have a fun day out when they have to do some work.

The same regulars are forced into volunteering every year and even though they keep a happy smile on their faces, you can see the disappointment that people won't join in.

These volunteers take it on the chin and keep going, but if everybody had the same lazy attitude as the people who won't help, then there would be no shows or galas for people to enjoy.

And sometimes the spectators themselves do not even have much enthusiasm for what they are watching.

As 30,000 people lined the streets of Otley they were obviously having fun and enjoying the floats and walking groups.

But the number of votes the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer received for the People's Choice trophy for the best float or group? Only 31.

The time and effort of putting elaborate costumes together, recreating scenes on the back of a lorry, and only 31 people could muster the energy on a lazy Saturday afternoon to say who was the best and make sure people were given a little credit.

People can't complain about the cancellation and reduction of shows and galas when they cannot even be bothered to let the people who gave up the time for the carnival know what a fantastic job they did.