ORGANISERS are gearing up for an annual community event in a County Durham market town this weekend.

The Barnard Castle Meet, in Barnard Castle, is returning for its 132nd year and is promising to be bigger and better than ever.

The main events will take place at Scar Top with a craft fair in St Mary’s Methodist Church Hall on Saturday from 10am followed by a fun run at 10.30am and boat race at 2pm at the County Bridge.

For the first time this year a comedy night, organised by the Funny Way To Be comedy club is also being staged at The Witham, from 7pm.

Sunday’s activities will also take place at Scar Top with a pet show at 10.30am followed by a family sports day at 12.30pm.

Live music will also be played in several of the town’s pubs throughout the day.

The grand Meet parade will be held on Monday and start at the Glaxo carpark at 1pm before making its way through the town. It will be followed by another free family fun day at Scar Top and more live music in different pubs.

Acting chairman, Shona Robinson, said the Meet committee had pulled out all the stops this year to encourage as many people to attend.

She said all activities are free but donations towards next year’s Meet would be welcomed.

For more information visit barnardcastlemeet.com