Tipton St John is getting out the red, white and blue bunting, flags and costumes to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting and cultural event being on our national doorstep.

The village playing field is hosting a tribute to the Olympic Games with a day of athletics and fun team activities, as well as showing off local plants, produce and crafts, all rounded off in the evening with live music and dance.

Whilst the London Games will demonstrate sporting achievement at the top of the tree, one of the Olympic values is about encouraging sport at grass roots level. And you don’t get much more grass roots than a village playing field.

Tipton 2012 on Saturday, July 14, will try to reflect some of the main elements of the games, with a bit of a Tipton twist.

The main activities include the Otter Rail and River Run – a multi-terrain 10km that follows fields, footpaths, and tracks, plus a 1.5 mile fun run. Run forms can be downloaded at www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk

This event has been kindly sponsored by National Grid, who are currently working on diverting a gas pipeline underneath the River Otter, close by at Fluxton. Other sponsors are Stuart and Partners, Michelmores Solicitors and Ironbridge Runner.

A large marquee has been hired for a produce, arts and crafts show with classes including – patriotic red, white, blue, gold flower arrangements, Olympic cup cakes, and baking a traditional Devon pasty. All the village primary school children have been given seed potatoes to grow their own heaviest crop.

There’ll also be ‘international’ team games, with the village’s own version of the main Olympic disciplines, plus a make-your-own Olympic torch competition.

There will be lots going on throughout the day around the field – including an opening ceremony, main ring displays of dancing, zumba, yoga and musical entertainment. Around the field there’ll be stalls, games and sideshows, bouncy castle and children’s corner, plus barbecue and homemade cakes.

There’s also a chance to earn a few pounds on the day with a car boot and table top sale, �5 for a space. And no Tipton fair would be complete without the famous tug-o’-war battle across the river. Together with a grand jubilee and Olympic draw, with great prizes sponsored by Flybe and LED Leisure, it will round off Saturday afternoon’s activities.

In the evening there’s a traditional ceilidh dance with South West based band Piping Hot Music, who play a foot-stomping mix of Irish, Celtic, Scottish and English music. There are prizes for best dressed in Team GB colours red, white and blue or go bold in gold. Advance tickets are �7 or �8 on the night. There will be a hog roast and licensed bar.

The playing field association are running the event to raise funds for this well used community facility. They hope there’s something for everyone. And to quote from the Olympics: “It’s not the winning, but the taking part that counts.”

For more information contact playing field association chairman Jo Earlam 01404 813933, or email jo.earlam@hotmail.co.uk