TOUR de France fever is hotting up with one group of villagers getting on their bikes to organise a fringe festival event with a difference.

Residents in Kirkby Fleetham, Great and Little Fencote and Langton, near Northallerton are putting on a trail of cycle celebrities, all of whom will be created by villagers, for nine days in June and July.

The event has been accepted by the Yorkshire Fringe Festival in support of the Grand Depart - the first stages of the Tour de France, which are due to visit Yorkshire in July.

More than 20 home-made "celebrities" will be arriving on Saturday, June 28 and staying until Sunday, July 6. Every day, between 1pm and 5pm, they will be placed around the villages, with a competition on offer to guess the celebrities.

Teas and refreshments will be on offer at the Black Horse Inn with local shops and business, including a home perfumery and garden and plant centre, open throughout.