COLOURFUL costumes, rhythm 'n' blues and races on land and water add up to a weekend of fun in a County Durham town.

The annual Barnard Castle Meet starts tomorrow, with a coronation on Scar Top as town Mayor John Yorker crown's Amy Longstaff as this year's Queen.

Crowds usually flock to the town to join the sense of occasion at what has been a long-time tradition in Barnard Castle.

Businesses are prepared, with 34 shops and offices taking part in a window-dressing competition.

Pubs are joining in the popular Not the Boat Race, which starts from the County Bridge at 2.30pm.

The event will be followed by the Teesdale School Parents and Teachers Association duck race, which has a prize of £100.

On Sunday, music is the theme of the day with a rhythm 'n' blues festival at the Red Well Inn.

There will be a 10km race and 5km fun run in which 400 runners are expected to compete, in the park at Raby Castle, near Staindrop.

This year's Monday parade has ten floats lined up to take part.

The carnival queen and her attendants will lead the procession, which will also feature Barnard Castle Band, Durham Army Cadet Military Band, a brass band, Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue, Barnard Castle Motorbike Club, jazz bands and Durham Fire and Rescue.

All roads into Barnard Castle will be closed for this part of the event.

Other activities and attractions for Monday are a car boot sale, laser quest, inflatable obstacle course, laser clay pigeon shooting, clowns, face painting and a beer tent.