The man who started Thame Carnival 26 years ago has come to its rescue to stop it folding up.
Former mayor Len Webb said he could not stand by and see the carnival die.
There were fears that the 2001 carnival might not go ahead when chairman Nick Stock resigned after suffering a heart attack. Several other members of the organising committee also resigned.
Mr Webb, of Wellington Street, Thame, said: "The Thame festival and carnival has become a major date in Thame's calendar, like the annual fairs and the agricultural show. There was no way I could stand by and see it die.
Mr Webb added: "If I take it on for 12 months it will give the committee time to find someone else for next year."
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