COMPETITORS are limbering up to take part in one of England’s most eccentric and entertaining charity events – the Great Knaresborough bed race.

Saturday’s event will see teams carry a bed along a three-mile route which takes in the centre of the market town and its gorge before ending with a swim in the River Nidd.

To add to the spectacle, participants have been given a fancy dress theme of “Olympic Nations” and have been encouraged to be imaginative with their costumes.

It is hoped the event will be as successful as last year’s, which was attended by 25,000 people and raised £100,000 for charities and good causes.

The 45-year-old event, organised by the Knaresborough Lions, sees 90 teams made up of six runners and a passenger take part in the dash, which includes steep hills and a river crossing before scrambling up a steep, muddy bank.

Phil Oldfield, president of the Knaresborough Lions Club, said: “This has been transformed from a relatively small local event to become the massive experience we see today. It is now the biggest street event in North Yorkshire and the flagship occasion of our Lion’s district, which has more than 50 clubs and nearly 1000 members.

“It is a very enjoyable family day out, which has put our town firmly on the map.”

Each bed is obliged to have a built-in buoyancy aid, a audible air horn or hooter, a helmet for the passenger and the bed must not have any mean of mechanical propulsion.

There will be a fete with entertainments and rides at Conyngham Hall Field from 11am and the bed race will start at 3pm, finishing in the same area. Presentation of prizes will be at 4.30pm.

For more information, visit knaresborough.co.uk/bedrace