RESIDENTS and visitors are gearing up for the annual Richmond Meet, which takes place this Bank Holiday weekend.

The event begins on Thursday with the opening of the fair at 6pm in the Market Place, followed by the Swaledale Spoco - a 24-mile cycling event. Competitors will set off from the Round Howe Caravan Park, Reeth Road, at 6.30pm, with a presentation for the winners at about 8pm.

The President's Dinner Dance, for which there are still some tickets available at £22.50 each, will take place on Friday evening at the King's Head Hotel.

On Saturday, a six-a-side football tournament will kick off at 11am at Earl's Orchard for boys under-9s, girls under 14s, and seniors.

At 7am, competitors in the Five Dales Cyclosportive will set off from Richmond School on 100, 80 and 50 mile routes.

On Sunday, there will be a civic church service at St Mary's, starting at 10am. The Fun Day will begin at 1.30pm in the Friary Gardens with face-painting, archery and a climbing wall as well as bouncy castle and tombola. There will be a skateboard and BMX competition in Ronaldshay Park from noon onwards, with coaching from Team Extreme.

The carnival procession will set out from Nun's Close car park at 10am on Monday, followed by live entertainment from Darlington band Time Machine in the Friary Gardens. At 2pm there will be a grass track cycling event at Richmond Cricket Club, attended by cyclists from all over the country.

Lynne Glover, meet committee president, said: "Everyone has worked extremely hard, and we are confident this year's meet will be a great success."

For more details, or to enquire about tickets for the dinner dance, call 01728824926. To register for the football tournament contact Peter Marshall of Castle Walk Sports on 01748 824144.