HISTORY buffs in Bowes are in for a treat with an evening of film, videos and photos of past carnivals next Friday.

A campaign to research the history of the Bowes Carnival began when the committee wanted to know the year it started.

The chairman of the Bowes Carnival Committee, Mike Bettison, has been hot on the trail of yesteryear carnivals, using back issues of local newspapers.

Mr Bettison said he had the names of carnival queens dating back to 1924 except in 1973 and from 1935 to 1939.

"There are a few years when we know it was cancelled," he said.

"However, I'm sure that there were carnivals before 1924. We just need a few more hours with the archive."

Bowes residents have come forward with photos and cine film from the 1950s and 1960s.

The carnival committee is holding the get-together to project the films, now transferred to video, and to show some of the photographs.

Members are hoping the event, at Bowes Village Hall, from 7.30pm,will jog memories to help fill in the gaps.

For more details call Mike Bettison on (01833) 628343.