A NEW Forest village is preparing to stage a week of carnival celebrations.

One of the highlights of the event at Sway will be the carnival procession, which will showcase the residents' favourite films.

The floats will assemble at the Jubilee Field on July 7 at 6pm and set off 45 minutes later for a tour of the parish.

Carnival week will begin on June 30 with a ball at Sway Manor and a special show staged by Sway Drama Club at the village hall.

A host of events the following day will include a tug-of-war contest at the Forest Heath Hotel and an open afternoon at Sway Tennis Club.

A five-mile run on July 2 will be followed by a teddy bears' tea party on July 3, a treasure hunt on July 4 and a yard-of-ale competition at the Hare and Hounds pub on July 5.

A fete on July 8 will include a dog show judged by BBC Radio Solent's Julian Clegg.

Carnival week will draw to a close the following day with a demonstration by Sway Bowmen and a thanksgiving service in the village hall.

Proceeds from the event will go to various clubs and societies in the parish.