Richmond is hoping to be the hub of the district's Golden Jubilee weekend, combining its biggest annual event with a programme planned to honour the Queen's 50 years on the throne.

The Richmond Meet is usually held over the Whitsun weekend, bringing the community together for a feast of fun that includes the now-traditional carnival parade.

This year the three-day programme has been extended to four and includes events designed to bring out the best the town has to offer.

The World Cup kicks off in Japan and Korea on Friday but, for football fans closer to home, there is a tournament for both under 13s and under 15s at the Earl's Orchard pitches on Saturday.

The club also hosts the Meet Spectacular on Sunday, which includes Irish dancing, vintage car and motorcycles displays, radio-controlled car racing and charity stalls and side shows.

Traditionally, the highlight of the Meet weekend is the carnival procession on the Monday, which, this year, honours the Queen with a jubilee theme.

The parade leaves Nun's Close at around 10am while live shows are also planned in the Friary Gardens all day.

The Richmondshire Cricket Club is also hosting a jazz band competition, which replaces the usual top-class cycle race, called off this year because of a clash with the Commonwealth Games.

On Monday evening, the town will also be one of hundreds lighting a beacon to mark Queen's jubilee year while a community walk is planned on Tuesday, followed by a picnic on The Batts with a fireworks display closing the programme.

"People have been saying they are really looking forward to the weekend," said spokesman Jack Hendren. "Last year was affected by foot-and-mouth so, hopefully, we can make up for that.

"It's not everyone who benefits but I'd expect the town's attractions, cafes, restaurants and pubs to do well."

Mr Hendren added: "We only usually have a handful of floats in the procession but we have 17 this year, which is definitely a record."