THE countdown has begun for an event that will plunge Northallerton back in time.

The town’s next Wartime Weekend will take place on June 18 and 19 - and the mood will be firmly in the early 1940s.

Local businesses are pledging their support and joining in the spirit of the event with 1940s displays, menus and music.

One, Scyzory Hair Design will be creating hairstyles of the period for customers - and even pencilling seamed stockings.

Barkers will be dressing windows to promote the event while staff at Sainsbury's will be dressing period style and offering a bag packing service - the proceeds of which will go to the charities the weekend is supporting.

Cobwebs Antiques will be buying, selling and hiring 1940s’ clothing and memorabilia while the Tithe Bar is serving up wartime food and putting on special promotions for veterans and serving personnel.

"It is really great that we are getting the support of these local businesses," said the weekend’s organiser, Robin Carr.

"It is support like this that will help the event grow and be a success. We have already been approached by one local business who wants to be a corporate sponsor for next year."

Charities the event is supporting include Help for Heroes; Lance Corporal Ben Hyde Memorial Trust; The Bomber Command Memorial Fund; and the Royal British Legion.

A full programme for the weekend can be found at wartimeweekend.com