EXCITEMENT has begun as plans for the first Stockton Heath Festival progresses apace.

Organisers of the arts and culture event, which will be taking place from July 10 to 13, have revealed key features of the summer event.

As part of the It's your community' scheme, mobile phone company O2 has agreed to lend a marquee to organisers for the weekend.

Used in addition to a 250- seater marquee in Alexander Park, it will be a multi-purpose venue, offering food, beverages and shelter for cinema goers at an open-air cinema screening on the Friday. At the weekend, a farmers' market and arts and crafts fair will take place at its Mill Lane Common location.

At February's Stockton Heath Parish Council meeting, Clr Tudor Pole said: "They have agreed to give us a marquee free of charge, except for delivery costs.

He added: "There will be two 6x12 tents and we can put them together. This would give us enough room to put about 20 stalls."

Making the four-day event possible, the parish council and volunteers are already planning a raffle to raise additional funds to cover the cost. Donated prizes include a canal boat trip and a family match day ticket to Warrington Wolves Rugby Club.

The festival committee will be in the foyer at Morrison's on February 29 selling raffle tickets.

Clr Tudor Pole commended a dedicated festival volunteer for her hard work, saying: "I would have to say that Rebecca Jenkinson is fantastic.

"She has a job but does so many things for the festival."

The festival was suggested by Clr Pole who felt there was an abundance of artistic talent in the region worthy of celebration.

The idea of the festival quickly captured the imagination of young and old residents, along with a team of parish councillors and various businesses. The team of enthusiasts behind the festival are confident that is will become an annual event.

Businesses interested in supporting the event and becoming a friend of the festival can e-mail hello@stocktonheath festival.co. uk.