PIXIE Day fans can breathe a sigh of relief after organisers of tomorrow s event overcame a red-tape wrangle at the last minute.

PIXIE Day fans can breathe a sigh of relief after organisers of tomorrow's event overcame a red-tape wrangle at the last minute.

The Herald reported this month how leaders were desperate to find a qualified contractor to erect traffic diversion signs after highways bosses' demands that, for the first time, Broad Street must be officially closed when pixies run through the Square.

Relieved Richard Coley, chairman of the Pixie Day organising committee, said yesterday the signs will go up today or tomorrow morning after he got a helping hand from a driving force behind another of Ottery's flagship events.

He said: "Everything can go ahead as planned. It's all been sorted. We finally found someone to put the signs out on Tuesday morning- It's a local chap who is qualified to do it. He was recommended by Steve Pearcy of the carnival committee.

Determined Richard,72, who has been involved in the Pixie Day set-up for nearly 30 years, said the event was never in doubt and he always had a back-up plan.

He said: "I had a plan B but it wouldn't have been as good so I'm glad. Both Devon County Council highways and the town's police have been excellent and very co-operative. The have done their best for us

"Everything else is fine and coming along very nicely and people have come out of the woodwork and volunteered to help. The weather forecast looks good. We've had two wet years so we need a good one.

"Pixie Day has been running since 1952 and is such a good and unique event for the town and one I'm proud to keep going. There will be at least 60 pixies and I'm expecting good crowds."

Tomorrow's festivities will begin with a Pixie Day fete in the Land of Canaan, which will feature falconry displays, a samba band and an old motor cycles exhibition.

Church bell-ringers and special guest Bishop Bob Evans will be captured and taken to the Square at 6pm and will be followed by the pixie's revenge.

Evening entertainment in the Land of Canaan will include a firework display.