A TOWN is gearing up for the Tour de France, with a weekend of events planned including a super sized screen.

Bedale, although not on the main route, is determined to make the most of the world's biggest annual sporting event and recruited the help of local youngsters.

Events start on Saturday, July 5 - day one of the Grand Depart - at Bedale Hall Park, where a 46 square metre high screen will show the Tour de France and the Wimbledon Women’s Final. The day will also include a Best Dressed Cycle Parade and children’s games, a bouncy castle and playbus from 11am to 5pm. All are welcome, organisers say people should just turn up and join in.

At 5pm there will be a family film, followed at 8pm by Top Gun. Everyone is invited to bring chairs or cushions.

On Sunday, July 6 there will be a traditional summer fete show tent hosting competitions for baking, arts and crafts and special classes for children.

Competition schedules are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Bedale Library and Food Weighouse and on www.bedale.org.

The action on the big screen will continue to follow the Tour de France and show the Wimbledon Men’s Final and the British Grand Prix.