ORGANISERS of one of the biggest events in Richmond's calendar have been forced to rearrange their programme this year to fit in with others arranged to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Cyclists have always played a big part in the Richmond Meet in the past, with a national meeting included over the weekend.

However, as the dates clash with another meeting in Manchester which has stripped Richmond of a competitive field, organisers have shelved the event this year.

Instead, a competition for jazz bands will be held at the Richmondshire Cricket Club over the Golden Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, which runs from Saturday, June 1, to Tuesday, June 4.

Meanwhile, the packed schedule has also prompted a new date for a big band night at the same venue.

The evening will now be held on Saturday, May 25 - acting as a precursor to the main programme the following weekend.

The event president this year is Stephen Cooke who, by tradition, has the right to choose the design of a special Meet badge.

He has chosen a duck to reflect his links with Richmond Duck Club, a ship to commemorate his time serving on board the tall ship, Winston Churchill, and a lightening bolt to illustrate his trade as an electrician.