Organisers of the first Chatteris Medieval Festival have put out an urgent plea for volunteer medics after discovering both the St John Ambulance Brigade and Red Cross were unable to attend the event.

Town Council Clerk Joanna Melton explained they knew St John Ambulance would be unable to attend but had hoped the Red Cross could provide the essential first aid cover.

However, the organisers have now been told the charity will not be able to provide volunteers for the three day festival in July.

"It is urgent that we find at least four people willing to offer medical cover on the Saturday and Sunday (July 5 and 6). Anyone who has a workplace first aid certificate is suitable.

"There is funding to pay the volunteers, but we need to hear from anyone willing to offer their time on either or both days as soon as possible. We need four people on duty between 10am and 4pm on both days," explained Mrs Melton.

There is also a need for people willing to act as stewards for the duration of the festival.

All volunteers can contact Mrs Melton via the council offices in Church Lane on 01354-695166.

In the meantime plans for the festival, which will include a living encampment at Furrowfields, are well in hand.

However, the final route of the proposed walking parade has yet to be agreed.

Places are currently being booked for a medieval supper planned for the Friday night, which will follow a tour of the town led by Community Archive members. Anyone interested in tasting medieval inspired food should book their place at the Old Bakehouse Tea Rooms in Market Hill, which will be hosting the meal.

Around 400 school children from schools in Chatteris and Wimblington are booked to attend the living encampment day on Friday, where they will have the chance to sample life in the 11th to 15th century.

There will be everything from weapons and armour to cooking, weaving and pottery being demonstrated by re-enactors.

People are invited to a meeting at the Cromwell Community College in Wenny Road from 7.30pm tomorrow (Thursday June 12), which is intended to answer questions about the policing of the event and to reassure residents with concerns. Town council representatives will also be present.