Fun-seekers will find something new in place of a traditional village carnival this year.

Earl Shilton will stage a two-day street fair on June 27 and 28 instead of the usual procession of floats and carnival fete.

The event, organised by Barwell and Earl Shilton Lions, has been made possible by the opening of the Earl Shilton bypass in March which has reduced traffic on Wood Street.

Earl Shilton Town Council has agreed that the road will be closed to through traffic between Kings Walk and Mountfield Road, although a bus lane will be kept open and shop deliveries will be possible.

The centrepiece will be a funfair similar to the annual Tin Hat Fair held in Regent Street, Hinckley, in November.

Other attractions will include Punch and Judy, a tug-of-war, stocks, a hairdressing display, Earl Shilton Community Radio and bungee jumping from the King William pub.

Victoria Stoney, aged 17, has been chosen as Miss Earl Shilton.

Lions' spokeswoman Lorraine Shipley said: "We are all very excited about this change from the traditional carnival and are hoping for a big turn-out and a successful weekend."

Some shopkeepers and other businesses said they were worried trade could suffer from the road closures, but the council argued the scheduled events could attract more visitors.