ONE of North Yorkshire’s wackiest charity events is about to celebrate its 49th outing.

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is on Saturday, June 14, when 90 beds of six runners and a passenger will gather at Knaresborough Castle in the morning to be judged for the Best Dressed Bed awards, while the race starts at 3pm.

Knaresborough Lions, who organise the race, hope the volunteer-run event will raise £100,000 for charity.

Bed Race chairman Gordon Renton said: “Nearly all of the teams come from Knaresborough, Harrogate and the immediate area and Bed Race has created a real dedication to creating these decorations and the fancy dress worn by the teams.

"It gives the town a real boost. Most of the charity funds go to local good causes and last year the Chamber of Trade said the event is worth £350,000 to businesses in and around the town.”

The parade starts at 1pm from the castle. There will also be marching bands, dance groups and plenty of helpers.