Colliers Wood Arts Festival will return next year, its founder and organiser has said.

Keith Spears has been a leading figure behind the scenes of the popular annual festival, which usually takes place around March and April, for the last three years.

March 2015: Colliers Wood Arts Festival launches with pop-up gallery, jazz orchestra and ballroom dancing

But this year he was unable to arrange a festival due to ill health and was unable to find somebody to step into his shoes.

March 2015: Colliers Wood Arts Festival founder on a mission to make his community happy

The 63-year-old gardener and community worker, who lives in Cavendish Road, Colliers Wood, said: “We had intended to put on a festival this year and we put together a group last year to organise it.

"But I’ve been ill and other people couldn’t take it on because of one reason or another.

March 2015: Colliers Wood Arts Festival draws crowds with multicultural and heritage events

“We are planning for the festival to return next year and will start planning it in the autumn. One of the first things to sort out will be the funding.”

Mr Spears said an application for funds will be made to Merton Council and he will also be looking for local business sponsorship in due course.

Last year’s festival featured more than 40 events in various venues around the town centre from a pop-up gallery, music and gigs to dance classes.