THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out for a village’s “biggest ever” fair.

Hurworth Country Fair returns on Saturday, September 16 at Hurworth Grange.

The fair, now in its seventh year, will include a range of events including live wrestling, pig racing, horse displays, a pet show, a performance by a dog agility team and a Viking battle.

There will also be a range of exhibits and trade stalls, as well as live archery, music and dancing, whilst children will also be entertained by miniature golf, a climbing wall, pony rides, donkey rides, a playground and a miniature railway.

Peter Allan, clerk of Hurworth Parish Council, said he was delighted event continues to grow every year.

“It has always been a tremendous – we are expecting 5,000 people to attend.."

More than 100 people from the village have helped organise the fair, and Mr Allan said the event couldn’t go ahead without their support.

“The first year, we began with a blank sheet of paper and now we have people ringing us and wanting to come back.

“When I started it was a gala day – there was nothing to do, nothing to buy, so we had a total rethink and came up with this.

“It is a lot of work, but it is very much worth it and I hope it continues for years to come."

Lorraine Tostevin, ward councillor for Hurworth, said: "It is a superb event - it gets bigger every year and is well worth a visit."

Money raised from the fair will go to the Hurworth Community Association to pay for the upkeep of the Grange, as well as St Teresa’s Hospice.

Tickets cost £4 fort adults an £1 for children.