The annual Remembrance Sunday parade through a North Yorkshire market town will not go ahead this year unless a marching band can be found to lead it.

The York Railway Institute band is regularly at the head of the parade through Easingwold, but this year it has pulled out because of the ill-health of some of its members.

Ailments include the likes of heart problems, painful knees and hip problems, which preclude them from marching.

Geoff Richardson, who is chairman and acting secretary of the Easingwold branch of the Royal British Legion, said that unless another marching band could be found the annual parade would not happen this year.

Mr Richardson, who is a member of Easingwold Town Council, said that the parade usually leaves the cenotaph in the market place before marching through Long Street to St John the Baptist Church.

Following a service there, the parade makes its way back to the cenotaph via Church Hill for a service of dedication.

But Mr Richardson said that no one is keen to make the parade this year if they are not led by a band.

The parade will be held on Sunday, November 12, and anyone who can help the town of Easingwold resolve this problem should ring Mr Richardson on 01347 821642.