A TEESDALE village is gearing up for its annual carnival next week.

The Middleton-in-Teesdale carnival celebrations run from Wednesday until Sunday.

Events include a car treasure hunt, cycle and fell races, a show night and the traditional procession and carnival fun day.

Shaun Andrews, chairman of the carnival committee, said: "We're really looking forward to it after all the hard work. We've tried to put on something for everybody.

"We've had some difficulty getting the road closed for the carnival procession, but we've managed to get it done, which we're pleased about because these things are important for the village."

The first event is the car treasure hunt, which leaves from the village hall on Wednesday, at 6.30pm.

The following day, the cycle races will take place in the school playground from 7pm.

Carnival queen Kirsty Hutchinson will be crowned at 7pm on Friday outside the Mechanics Institute and the ceremony will be followed by the fell race.

Saturday is Carnival Day, which begins at 1pm with the procession.

Entertainment on the carnival field will include juggling, paint balling, bouncy castles, stalls, bands and a kite show.

On the Sunday, there will be a sports day on the school field.

For full details of prices, locations and timings for all events, call Mr Andrews on (01833) 641069 or visit www. middleton-carnival.co.uk