Cucumber sandwiches, swimsuits and sun tan oil - forget them.

As not-so-flaming June squelches under the onslaught of miserable weather, hot soup, woolly jumpers and chilblain lotion are the things no visitors to North Yorkshire should be without.

And with more rain on the way, the region's beaches, empty save for a few brave souls, look set to remain deserted.

In Scarborough deckchairs huddle together for comfort in big piles near the promenade. While on the sands a couple dressed in waterproofs lean against the strong sea breezes.

Weather forecasters are predicting a "terrible" weekend with temperatures struggling to get into double figures.

More clouds and showers are expected with brisk winds from the North Sea making everywhere feel unseasonably cold.

Temperatures are not expected to rise above 13C tomorrow, while on Sunday, as rain moves away and showers subside, the most we can expect is a distinctly less-than-sweltering 14C.

The grim forecast spells gloom for more than 1,000 cyclists taking to the county's roads as part of the epic Great Yorkshire Bike Ride.

The ride begins tomorrow morning in Wetherby and snakes its way across the region's back roads to reach Filey 70 soggy miles later.And with the tennis season getting under way, rain is bound make its traditional appearance throughout the Wimbledon fortnight.But one person, not content with the relentless showers from above, is bringing her own.

Model Karen Jean-Smith installed her own portable downpour at Tesco at Clifton Moor, York. Karen was getting onlookers in a lather promoting a new Oil of Ulay product. York is the latest port of call for the demonstration in which Karen takes a shower in a roofless pink Mini fitted with a spray and curtain. In the past two weeks the Mini has cleaned up in Glasgow, Sheffield, Stoke, Derby, Coventry and Leicester.

Those hoping to avoid the weather by staying in bed are also likely to get a soaking if they live in Knaresborough. The town is holding its annual bed race which sees the town closed to traffic as bedroom furniture is pushed through the streets to raise cash for charity.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.