A CASH crisis could bring an historical spectacular held in the ancient monuments of Monmouthshire to an end, councillors are being told.

The annual Son et Lumiere (sound and light) production is a tourist and community event involving scores of local people in acting and behind the scenes.

This year 'Echoes in the Stones' was staged at Tintern Abbey and next year's event is due to be held in Caldicot Castle next July and August.

But organisers say financing the event has become a big problem and there is a shortfall in funding of £5,000 for this financial year.

Councillors will be told on Thursday that if finances are not found, it is unlikely the spectacular will take place in 2004.

And if the event is axed next year it is likely the production company, made up entirely of volunteers, will not continue with it in forthcoming years.

Members of the Severnside Area Committee, made up of councillors from the Caldicot area, will be asked to make a financial commitment of £3,000 to the event.

They will also consider a draft core funding report which explores the need for a steady source of income for the production.

The reports says the Son et Lumiere would need an absolute minimum of £10,000 per year in core funding.

Last week, members of the Lower Wye Area Committee agreed to commit £2,000 towards the £5,000 financial deficit this year.

The chairman of the Lower Wye Area Committee, Cliff Meredith, said he had liaised with the chairman of the Severnside Area Committee, which covers Caldicot, about a donation to the historical spectacular.

He said: "I have spoken to Jim Higginson of the Severnside committee and he more or less agrees with me that we go with this £3,000 but he wants to put it to the committee. If they pull out of the Caldicot one they may pull out of the Chepstow one and we know how much interest it has brought to Chepstow."