THE COUNTDOWN is on to this year's Echo and Advertiser-backed Studland Country Fair - one of the biggest annual charity events held in Dorset.

Over the last 14 years the fair has raised an amazing £55,000 for charity - thousands of people are expected at this year's event on Sunday, August 31.

This year marks a return to traditional country roots and spaces are still available for craft stallholders - anyone interested can contact Geoff Hann on 01929 450488.

On Saturday, August 30, a car boot sale will be running from midday to 6pm and there will also be children's rides, a village farm, barbecue and bar.

The Echo and Advertiser-backed darts tournament will be in action from midday to 6pm on Saturday with a chance to win £300 in prizes.

Live bands take to the stage of the country fair marquee on Saturday from 7pm to midnight - this free event offers a chance to see local band Rythem Caf plus support band. There will also be a fairground white knuckle ride, bar, barbecue and children's rides.

Bad Girls celebrity Nicole Faraday is officially opening the country fair on Sunday and admission is priced £3 for adults, children £1 - there will be plenty of parking available.

An appeal is being made for volunteers willing to help make this popular event run as smoothly as possible. Contact Martin Churchill on 01202 470534 or 07968 219504 or vice chairman Godfrey Lovell on 01929 450258.

Linkrider buses will be departing from Gilbert Road in Swanage for the duration of the weekend's activities.

Journeys will be free of charge on Sunday, running half-hourly from 9.30am to 11am then quarter-hourly from 11.15am to 5.30pm.