PREPARATIONS are well under way for one of the North-East's biggest summer events, and people across the region are being invited to become involved.

Instead of only watching the 16th Stockton International Riverside Festival, people are being asked to perform alongside some of the best acts in street theatre.

The community carnival takes place on Saturday, August 2, and since Easter, hundreds of young people and artists have been preparing for it.

This year's theme is Ashrella, with a 300-strong cast playing out a modern version of the Cinderella fairy story.

The new version tells of Ashrella's ambitious stepmother, who has a penchant for chopping off toes, and her sisters, who have their own ideas for the future.

Barbara Agar, the carnival's artistic director, said: "Ashrella brings together groups who have spent months working towards its creation

"Stilts, drumming, professional music and spectacular structures make this piece the most visually stunning and rhythmic carnival ever to hit Stockton."

Costume and structure production start from today, with workshops taking place in the Arc complex in the town.

The workshops will run every Tuesday to Friday, from 2pm to 8pm, and on Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm.

The finale to the festival, on Sunday August 3, is another chance for people to get involved.

About 80 people, aged 16 and over, can take part in KTO Theatre's production in Stockton High Street and Riverside.

No dramatic experience is needed and instructions will be given on the night.

However, volunteers will need to be available to rehearse for a few hours on the day.

For further information, contact (01642) 676702.

The festival takes place from July 31 to August 3, and is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors to the town.

There will be performances by music acts The Proclaimers, Busted and the Sugababes on the weekend of July 25 to 27.