West Somerset ‘s biggest folk festival, at Carhampton, has been saved by a long-standing supporter from Gloucestershire.

The popular annual gathering of folk performers and fans that started in 1986, attracted record support over the weekend.

Amid fears the event would disappear due the retirement of organisers Mike and Di Dibble, there were cheers on Sunday afternoon when a replacement supremo stepped forward.

Terry Helyar from South Gloucestershire, told festival committee members he was happy to take over the reins.

The festival was started 35 years ago at the Britannia Inn, Alcombe, by talented performers Alan and Lynda Baker.

So popular did the festival become, Mr and Mrs Baker moved it to a bigger venue - Minehead Rugby Club - where patrons were able to camp for the weekend.

To keep punters happy, the organisers employed top professionals folk acts such as Show of Hands, Les Barker and Sid Kipper.

Sadly, Alan Baker died, and the event was mothballed for five years.

Then the event was revived by popular amateur musician Mike Dibble, originally from Dunster, whose brothers were also well known folk players.

Mr and Mrs Dibble were roundly thanked by committee members on Sunday afternoon following a lively session of individuals’ songs from the floor.

A spokesman told the Free Press: “We are grateful for everyone who has kept our great festival going over the years.

“And now, thanks to Terry Helyar, we look forward to the event continuing.

“We just need to recruit some younger members to help share the running.”