THE chairman of Stokesley Parish Council has revealed his vision of a town festival in 2005.

Coun George Carter wants to see the entire town involved in a three-day celebration over the August bank holiday.

Suggestions include events on the showfield, a pop concert, a miniature fair and flower festivals in the churches.

Coun Carter said: "I brought the idea up with fellow councillors and they agreed in principle. I've also mentioned it to members of the Stokesley Entertainment Club and Stokesley Pride In Our Town.

"I would like to see all the entertainment venues and the churches get involved."

Coun Carter said the proposal was only at the ideas stage, but he expected a meeting to take place at the end of January to discuss it further.

The plan was backed by the Rev Richard Bradshaw, minister at the Methodist church, who said: "I think it's a smashing idea and I think we would like to get involved.

"The great thing about a festival is it brings different artists and performers together.

"When you think of other places in Yorkshire that have festivals and are not as big as Stokesley, I'm surprised we don't have one already."

He added: "I would want to see the schools brought in because there are a lot of resources there in terms of space and talent. In terms of church involvement, we could come together for some sort of celebration event."