THE 67-YEAR-OLD former insurance litigation auditor with the task of planning this year's Stockton Heath Festival is vowing to make it the 'best ever'.

Retired Dave Craggs, who has been involved with the running of the festival since 2014, is relishing his new role having retired from his job last November.

He believes he now has the 'time and renewed energy' to make the event one to remember for residents in the village.

"I am delighted to take on this challenge and work with the excellent volunteers and committee members to ensuring this year's festival is the best ever," he said.

"Now in its ninth year, we are aiming to make the event bigger and better with the introduction of new acts and displays year on year."

The festival committee is made up of volunteers, including Dave's wife Stella, with complimentary skills from arts and event management to operations, marketing and logistics.

Volunteers are required to support the running of the event from June 30 to July 3.

Dave said: "We rely solely on volunteers to make the event the success it has become and to meet the demands of our audience expectations.

"As a charitable trust, we wouldn't be able to do this without their support."

The Stockton Heath resident worked in the insurance and law industry for 50 years before bringing his career to an end.

He added: "My previous job was quite intense and there were a lot of deadlines.

"This will be different but it will still be a challenge. I want to build on the success of previous years and work with the community."

Last year Tudor Pole stepped down as director and trustee of the festival to become the honorary president and said he was looking forward to seeing future events continue bringing the community together.

Anybody interested in volunteering is urged to visit stocktonheathfestival.co.uk and make contact via the link.