COMMUNITIES across Dorset are gearing up for a spectacular weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Dozens of street parties and one-off special events are planned during the extended bank holiday weekend, from June 1-4.

One community is planning a series of events which organisers hope will go down as the best in living memory.

The Wyke Regis Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee (GJCC) has arranged an extravaganza of events, called the Fair in the Square, to take place on Bank Holiday Monday.

Roads will be closed so revellers can take part in an open-air barn dance with live music in the village square.

More than 100 children will enjoy a street party and enter a fancy dress parade.

Adults will be served cream teas to the accompaniment of an orchestra playing 50s music and can look back through the ages with a display of old Wyke Regis photos.

Joan Coleman, GJCC secretary, said: "The Fair in the Square is important because it will bond the community together and help us get to know one another.

"We aim to give children something special to remember the Golden Jubilee by - it is an historic event, because we will not see another queen during our life-times."

Other festivities include the Golden Jubilee Draw with the chance to win cash, a CD player, free salon sessions, a lunch for two and a holiday voucher, amongst other prizes.

In line with local tradition, a ducking stool will be set up at the fair to allow visitors to dip their feet in a horse trough.

Mrs Coleman, 85, added: "Legend has it that you are not a 'Wykeite' unless you have had your feet dipped in the pond - or clean horse trough, in this case!"

Stalls and games will be provided by local organisations. The cash raised will be used to cover event costs or be ploughed back into local causes.

Mrs Coleman said: "The Golden Jubilee Draw is our only source of funding for the event, so please help us by buying tickets which cost 50p each or £2.50 for a book.

"We are also appealing for people to help out with more stalls, games or even come along to lend a hand on the day."

Doug Hollings, a member of GJCC said: "If Wyke residents give it the support it deserves, this event could go down as one of the memorable occasions in the life of the village."

For a full programme, draw tickets or to register children for events, contact Old Wyke Village Stores on (01305) 785243. The Fair in the Square takes place in Wyke Village Square on Monday, June 3, from 2pm.