Volunteers are needed to help put on one of Congleton's most popular events.

This year marks a new chapter for Congleton Food and Drink Festival as the town council takes over the running of the event.

Ahead of the festival, which draws thousands of visitors, the council are appealing for volunteers to lend a hand.

Rachel McCarthy, town centre and events officer, said: "The Food and Drink Festival is one of the highlights of Congleton's calendar, and we couldn't do it without our volunteers.

"Whether you're a seasoned helper or completely new to volunteering, we'd love to have you on board.

"It's a rewarding experience and a chance to be part of something truly special for the town."

Congleton Food and Drink Festival returns on Sunday, June 8.

It had previously been organised by Congleton Community Projects under the leadership of Jo Money and has been a staple of the town's cultural scene for the past 15 years.

The council is inviting anyone interested in volunteering to attend a meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday, February 4.

Attendees can drop in anytime from 5.30pm to 7pm to learn about a wide range of roles, from marshalling and litter picking to general event support.

For more information about volunteering or to express your interest, you can also contact Rachel at [email protected] or on 01260 270350 (extension 3).