THE celebrations leading up to a village’s carnival are starting this weekend.

A decorated shop and scarecrow trail launches in Middleton-in-Teesdale, on Saturday, to pave the way for the carnival, on Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4.

Villagers are encouraged to make and display their own scarecrows as part of the event. Entry forms are available from G&J Newsagents and the tourist information centre.

On Wednesday, there will be car treasure hunt leaving from outside the village hall at 6.30pm. Entry is £2.50 for adults and £2.50 for children, including supper at the finishing point, Middleton Sports and Social Club.

Forms, available from Alston Road Garage and Central Garage, should be submitted by Monday, July 30.

Biker races for children take place in the primary school’s playground, on Thursday, August 2, at 7pm. Entrants must wear a helmet.

The carnival will be opened on Friday, August 3, in the car park on the hill, at 7pm.

Carnival queen Hollie Dakers will be crowned during the ceremony. Her attendants are Isabelle Brown and Katie Richards.

A family night takes place in the sports and social club after the ceremony, at 7.30pm. Entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children.

On Saturday, August 4, the carnival procession leaves Alston Road at 12.45pm, travelling through the village to the school field, where there will be children’s rides, a jousting tournament, bouncy castles, face painting, Punch and Judy, jazz bands and stalls.

Motorists are advised there will be some road closures in the village while the procession is taking place.

A show night, called Striking Back, takes place in the sports and social club, that evening, at 8.30pm. Entry is £5.