Residents across Wrea Green will be taking part in the annual field day in the village tomorrow and organisers are hoping for better weather than last year.

Torrential rain caused much of the annual celebrations to be cancelled last year, but the gala is set to return bigger and better.

The fun starts at 12.30pm with entertainment and fancy dress judging in the arena, followed by the parade and crowning of Rose Queen Helen Bradbrook at 1.30pm.

There will then be a second circuit around the iconic village green by the procession, followed by children's races and family novelty sports from 3pm.

There is seven-a-side football at 6pm and then adult sports from 7pm.

Jack Dobson, chairman of the committee, said: "There will be loads going on during the day and we are praying for better weather this year!

"One of the big events will be a farmers' market on the green which is always a big crown puller."

Up the road, organisers of Hambleton Gala are busy preparing themselves for the first gala day since 2006.

Rose queen Shanico Singleton will be crowned by Mayor of Wyre Coun Gordon McCann while a fancy dress parade is being judged by newly-ordained priest Rev John Squires along with his wife Lynne and Rev Stephen Gray.

Funfair

Mrs Squires said: "Everyone is busy making the day one to remember.

"There will be a funfair on Bob Williamson Park in the village plus lots of other great things happening."

Elsewhere, adults and children are being encouraged to take part in a number of events to celebrate the NHS 60th birthday.

Events include a chance to swim at Palatine Leisure Centre and Moor Park in Bispham for 4p for kids and 6p for adults; a round of golf at Stanley Park for 6p; table-tennis or badminton for 6p and taster fitness sessions in the gym for the same price.

And Blackpool's Promenade will be awash with pedal power as the resort gears up for Cycle Fest.

There are a number of events taking place over the weekend (see panel) culminating with a road race on Sunday.

If that wasn't enough, scouts from across the North West will descend for the National Scout Car Races on North Promenade tomorrow.

Plus, Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool FC, is bracing itself for an invasion of close on 10,000 Rugby League fans on Sunday converging on the resort for the Northern Rail Cup Final between Salford and Doncaster.

For a full round-up of the weekend events, see Monday's Gazette.