THE countdown to an annual in carnival in Teesdale begins this weekend.

The Barnard Castle Meet weekend starts on May 23, with the grand parade through town taking place two days later.

But a handful of events over the coming weeks will get people in the mood while also raising money for the Meet.

Dozens of houses and businesses are expected to take part in the decorated scarecrow competition, which starts on Saturday.

There will be a Meet fundraiser at Barnard Castle Cricket Club on Saturday evening at 7.30pm and a Bollywood-themed night at Spice Island restaurant on Monday.

The junior cricket tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 13 from 6.30pm followed by the annual quiz at the Beaconsfield on Wednesday, May 20 from 8.30pm.

Barnard Castle Rugby Club will host the Spirit of the Meet competition on Friday, May 22 from 7.30pm, when teams from pubs across Barnard Castle will compete against each other in a mini-Olympics.

The crowning of the Carnival Queen will take place on the Scar Top on the morning of Saturday, May 23, when there will be a variety of stalls and entertainment from 10am.

An exhibition of photographs from Meets in the past will be held in at the former Kents shop throughout the carnival weekend.

A pet show will take place at 10.30am on Sunday, May 24 on the Lower Demesnes and the Grand Parade will start from the top of town at 10.30am on Monday, May 25.

"Theres a lot going on this year and we are really looking forward to it now," said Angela Grady, Meet committee treasurer.

A full programme of events is available from newsagents in Barnard Castle as well as in the Tourist Information Centre.