LOCAL people have battled en masse in order to fly the flag for Settle.

On Sunday, the flag festival team achieved their goal with over 100 flags being flown around the town outside shops, businesses and houses.

Gill O'Donnell, a member of the Community Flag Festival Committee said: "The flags are designed to represent various businesses, organisations and leisure activities in the town and many have been made by members of various firms and clubs."

The flag-making has involved all age groups, with a display outside the middle and high schools. Children at Settle Primary School also designed a flag to be flown at the location of their new school on Bond Lane, and residents at Greenfoot elderly people's home also designed flags.

They will be flying until Sunday June 17 and viewed by following the town trail. Maps showing the route cost 10p and are available at Settle Tourist Information Centre.

As part of the community festival there will be a May Fair in Settle Market Place tomorrow (Saturday).

There will be entertainment for all the family including a wild bird display by the Corio Raptor centre at Bentham, stalls and fairground rides.

A Victorian Melodrama will also be staged by the Inner Sense Theatre Company and it is hoped local performers will be taking their turn centre stage in the market place with music, singing and dancing.

Also on display will be the work of Dave Toyne, a local caricaturist, who will be sketching during the afternoon.

Representatives from The Samaritans will be on hand to offer information and advice, including details of confidential phonelines giving out counselling to those affected by foot and mouth.

Mrs O'Donnell added: "It is hoped that as many people as possible will come and take part in Saturday's events or will take the opportunity to visit the town to admire the flags.

"They are there not only to celebrate the diversity of activity in Settle and to show that as a community we live and work together, but to show that we play together also and support one another in times of crisis."

o A number of events will also take place in Settle's Victoria Hall this weekend. The first is a talent show tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm, with seats costing £3 in the balcony, £2.50 in the stalls and £1 for children. On Saturday evening there is a dance with music by Tom Clay. Tickets cost £3.50 and can be obtained by contacting 01729 822364. Supper will be provided although people are asked to bring their own drink and glasses.

On Monday the hall will host a craft sale and demonstration featuring the work of local people.