A VILLAGE sports day will mark its 30th anniversary with a Seventies-themed fancy dress competition.

The annual event at Melsonby, near Richmond, will be held on Saturday afternoon, or Sunday if Saturday is wet.

The day is organised by volunteers who raise funds during the year towards the races, sideshows, games and afternoon teas, which are free for children and 50p for adults.

The children's events will include favourites such as wheelbarrow and egg and spoon races, with heats for different age groups. Most races are for children from the parish or village school only, although some are open to visiting youngsters. The Easby cup is awarded for endeavour.

After tea, the adults have their turn to compete at welly throwing, a three-legged race, slow bicycle and a tug of war.

Activities will begin at 1.15pm with the judging of the children's and adults' fancy dress, and races will begin at 1.45pm. Tea is served at 4pm and a raffle is drawn at 5.30pm.

The sports day was first organised in 1977 by a volunteer committee, led by the late Ken Dawkes, to provide a free afternoon of fun for children and families in the parish.

Donations towards the day can be left at the village post office.