WITH the barrels tarred, the torches having their final dip and the crepe paper floats nearing completion, this year's 107th Hatherleigh Carnival on November 13 is set to be a great one.

Leading the event is carnival queen Claire Munn with prince and princess Joseph Hartnett and Lily Bater.

Claire is an Okehampton College student and an active member of the army cadets.

She has participated in the carnival since a young age, having been Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz, A Fairy At The Bottom Of The Garden and an attendant on a royalty float.

Joseph and Lily both attend Hatherleigh Primary School.

Joseph first appeared in the carnival four years ago dressed as 'Bam Bam' from The Flintstones.

Lily's first appearance was when she was only six months old, where she was a 'circus dog' on her family's crepe paper float, and she has taken part in the event every year since.

The 2010 carnival president is Adrian Drew, who has been a huge supporter and participant for many years.

Mr Drew has done everything from pulling the barrels to producing beautiful crepe paper floats.

The fun begins on the evening of November 12 when the children pull the unlit barrels through Hatherleigh, accompanied by the town's jazz band, and at 5am the next day the first blazing barrel run happens, flooding the town with thrills and excitement.

This is followed by the Eggesford Hunt meet in the square, the town criers' competition and judging of the shop windows. 

There is a children's procession of floats in the afternoon, the crowning of the royalty and the judging of floats.

There is an evening procession of carnival floats and walking guys, followed by the final tar barrel run, and throughout the day there will be refreshments, amusements and a funfair for all ages in the market.

Entry forms are in the carnival programme available from various outlets in Hatherleigh and must be returned to Mrs Alma Knight, Stockleigh, Highampton, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5LG by November 11.

Proceeds from this year's carnival will be going to Age UK, Devon Air Ambulance and British Heart Foundation, as well as other local groups and charities.