A MAYOR is urging people to support a resurrected event which is a family favourite on a town's social calendar.

Yarm High Street will be holding its annual gala on Sunday, June 19, and entries are being taken for the bell boat races down on the River Tees.

The event was rekindled four years ago after it was previously held in the Twenties.

Last year's festivities attracted nearly 3,000 revellers.

Yarm Mayor, Councillor Jason Hadlow, is encouraging fun-seekers to join the community spirit by entering teams for the bell boat racing, involving twin-hulled canoes.

Aswell as celebrating the town's history and heritage as a bustling port, the gala aims to showcase the town's range of shops, pubs and restaurants.

"A t the moment, there is a general malaise across the country, " said Coun Hadlow.

"Putting events on like Yarm Gala raises people's spirits - that's what happened with the royal wedding.

"It's incredibly important that we have these things."

This year's gala features live music, a Victorian funfair and street entertainers, an antique steam boat parade and steam boat rides to raise money for Butterwick Hospice.

Highlights also include a farmers' market, dance performances and a Yarm's Got Talent competition.

Acts confirmed which will perform on the sound stage include AufWeidersehn Set - a German-style band, NorthEast singers, the band Laughing Jacks and girl group Bon Bonz.

Javid Majid, owner of Yarm's Tall Trees Hotel, said he was proud to be sponsoring the event again this year.

"It's a great way for me to give something back to a community that has always supported me since I settled in Teesside many years ago, " he said.

Event organiser Paul Smith said: "Javid has a great local business which supports the community and his contribution is typical of his generosity.

"We try to run the gala at no cost to the community and without contributions like this we would be unable to continue doing so."

To enter a bell boat team or for more information, visit yarmgala.co.uk