A POPULAR event in has been saved after a new volunteer came forward.

As previously reported, the Carols in the Square in Hamble was thrown into jeopardy after organisers stepped down.

The event has been attracting hundreds of people for the past 25 years and was organised by volunteers at St Andrew’s Church.

But the group said the scale of the event had become too great for them and held a meeting with the community to decide the future of the festive singalong.

It was during the meeting that Hamble resident David de Krester offered to lend a hand.

The 49-year-old business owner said: “It’s important to maintain positive traditions for the benefit of the community. I spoke to a large number of individuals in Hamble all of whom are keen to help.

“We are going to look at this as a blank page and I’m going to put together a small team of volunteers.”

Mr de Krester also said that he wants to hear from the community to understand how they would like the event to be this year.

“There’s been suggestions on where the carols should be and its format.

“We want to consider all options. Everybody is open to changes.

“It doesn’t mean there will be changes but we’ll consider what residents, local charities and businesses want and then we’ll decide the best format and the best

location but one thing is for sure, the event will be run this year, will involve a community singalong and will be on Christmas Eve.”