An urgent appeal has been launched to save Wells' historic Moat Boat Race from cancellation.

Wells Community Network (WCN) is backing a campaign to secure new organisers for the annual August Bank Holiday event, held on the Bishop's Palace moat in the heart of the city.

The City of Wells Lions have organised the popular raft race for many years but say they are now reduced to just two active members.

"It would be a tragedy for Wells if the tradition of raft racing on the Bishop's Palace moat on that Bank Holiday was to end but without new people coming forward to help us we cannot continue organising the event," said Ian Williams of Wells Lions.

"This unique annual event, which started in 1963, has provided many generations of Wellsenians with a day of community fun and helped put the city 'on the map' as a place to visit."

Two volunteers from Wells Community Network have joined the remaining Lions members, but organisers say more helpers are needed to organise the event.

Anyone interested in helping to save the Moat Boat Race is being urged to come forward by emailing [email protected], leaving a message on the City of Wells Lions Facebook page or calling 0345 833 6736.

H/T: Wells Community Network

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