A VILLAGE is to mark the end of its 30-year wait for a bypass with a huge celebration.

Among the events planned by Lamberhurst villagers for Saturday, September 11, are a Barney Barrow race along the A21 bypass before it is opened to traffic.

Event organisers, the Jubilee Mugs, have been given permission to use the new road by construction company May Guerney. The company has also agreed to allow the organisers to offer the chance of driving the first vehicle along the bypass following its opening as the first prize in a raffle in aid of the Kent Air Ambulance.

A Barney Barrow is an old-fashioned push barrow, where one person steersand two others push. No mechanical means of propulsion are allowed and strict conditions have been placed on the construction and dimension of the barrows to ensure fairness. Competitors will compete in a series of races over a 200m distance.

Continuing the transport theme, there will be procession of classic and vintage vehicles in a Transport Through The Ages parade. On the field, there will be fete with live music headed by girl band Eclipse.

Firms or clubs interested in entering the barrow race should call 01892 890802/890300.