THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out to watch the Olympic torch relay tomorrow.

Weather forecasters have predicted sunny spells, light winds and a 20 per cent chance of rain as the convoy arrives in Barnard Castle in the afternoon.

Organisers are encouraging residents to line the streets and create a carnival atmosphere for the occasion.

The torch starts in Newgate, at 3.14pm, and follows a route into Galgate, before turning round and heading down The Bank, into Bridgegate, The Sills and Bowes Road, where it finishes at the junction with Dark Lane and heads for Cumbria.

The route will be closed to traffic from about 2.45pm and will remain closed until after the convoy has left, at about 3.45pm.

Durham Police and Durham County Council officials are advising visitors to arrive and park at least an hour before the roads are due to close and suggest that local people walk to the event.

The authority is providing temporary car parking at Upper and Lower Demesnes, in the town, and designated places for school groups to watch the event.

Parking in Newgate, Galgate, Horsemarket, The Bank and The Sills will be restricted in places until after the event and police are warning motorists who flout the restrictions their vehicle could be towed away.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, from the Barnard Castle Neighbourhood Police Team, advised residents to arrive early for the "once in a lifetime event" for the town.

He said: "We are not sure how many people will turn up tomorrow, there could be thousands if the weather is good and we don't want people to be disappointed.

"Our message is clear: please arrive early. Don't park in the restricted areas on the Torch Relay Route, park off the route in a considerate manner to residents. Use the Demesnes if possible and don't stand in the road."

For information, visit durham.gov.uk/olympictorchrelay.

Meanwhile, ten sports clubs in Teesdale have teamed up with Durham Leisure Services and the Teesdale Action Parternship (TAP) to stage an afternoon of sports and demonstrations tomorrow to mark the occasion.

The event takes place at Barnard Castle Cricket Club, in Vere Road, from 4pm to 6pm, and includes information on all participating clubs.

The club opens at noon for people who are attending the torch relay. Entry is free.