A TOWN will pay homage to 150 years of history and heritage as a special plaque is unveiled on carnival day.

Saturday will be a day to remember as residents across the area come together to celebrate their community in the official celebration of the 150th birthday of Millom Newtown.

Councillor Doug Wilson will unveil a commemorative plaque in Market Square in the afternoon and pay tribute to the workers who came to Millom 150 years ago and left a lasting legacy of community spirit.

He said: "The efforts of these hardy men and women was rewarded by a strong local economy, arrival of the railway, ship building, trade and commerce and great community spirit.

"To this day Millomites exhibit the same attributes as their forefathers."

Cllr Wilson will unveil the plaque on the Hodbarrow Miner statue at 12.15pm and is eager to encourage as many people as possible to attend.

He said: "It's a happy occasion and it's good for people to be together and celebrate being where we are now.

"If it hadn't been for these people who developed the mines and ironworks, Millom wouldn't be as it is now.

"The work has come and gone but what remains is Millom, which owes itself to that period in history."

This year's carnival will begin at 11am as the parade lines up at Millom Rugby League Club.

All the floats will then be judged before they make their way to Market Square for the unveiling where the town crier will shout out "Happy Birthday" to the crowds.

The parade will then wind its way back through the streets of Millom to head back to the Rugby League Club.

Back at the ground, this year's carnival queen, Jasmin Ryce, will be crowned, while winners of the floats will receive their awards.

The field will then be open for an afternoon of fun and games with attractions such as bouncy castles, donkey rides and dance and gymnastics displays.

Karen Jackson-Smith has helped organise the carnival for five years and hopes to see as many people as possible turn out to celebrate the town and its history.

She said: "Carnival gives our community a chance to celebrate - all ages - friends, neighbours and family.

"We think the carnival is a celebration for our town especially this year on its 150th Birthday. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy each others company."