The floats are ready and the scarecrows are being built. It's carnival time in Flimby.

Once again, this Saturday's village carnival will include the whole community - those who take part, those who watch and those who create the weird and wonderful scarecrows to be found everywhere on the days leading up the the main event.

This year the scarecrow competition will include a new category, films and TV themes. Prizes are awarded for the best group, most original, under 16's and the best film or TV theme.

The popular £2 wristbands are available again this year thanks to sponsorship from Maryport Town Council and the local windfarm committee. This allows children free access to all entertainment and activities except Taylor's Fair. These will e available at the marquee.

There is also live entertainment from 3pm onwards, featuring AWOL, who will then rush to Glassonbury to play there, and from vocalist Shelly B.

Those taking part in the carnival will meet at the school on Ryehill Road for judging at 12.30. The road will be closed from 12 noon and the carnival will set off at 1pm travelling up Ryehill Road, to St Helen's up St Nicholas onto Wedgewood Road and down West Lane to the rugby club.

There will be rolling stoppages throughout.

Residents have also been asked to avoid parking their cars on the route where at all possible.