EAGLE-EYED shoppers are set for a window-spotting tour of Stowmarket starting from this weekend as carnival fever kicks in.A week of fun events begins tomorrow with a window-spotting competition asking entrants to identify any unusual items displayed in shop fronts.

EAGLE-EYED shoppers are set for a window-spotting tour of Stowmarket starting from this weekend as carnival fever kicks in.

A week of fun events begins tomorrow with a window-spotting competition asking entrants to identify any unusual items displayed in shop fronts.

Nearly 50 businesses have signed up for the challenge and each will display an object not normally association with their shop from tomorrow until July 21.

Organiser Mark Beaumont, of Pickwicks Coffee Shop, in Old Fox Yard, Stowmarket, said: "It's good to get the community taking part and it's great that so many local shops back it.

"The idea is to make the display items as small as possible because we don't want to make it easy."

Last year around 400 entries were received and a similar number is expected this year, with a first prize of £35, second prize of £25, third prize of £15 and fourth prize of £5 up for grabs.

Bouquets of flowers, supplied by Eldeweiss Florist, in Market Place, Stowmarket, will also be given to the winners.

Isabel Wilton, manager of the florists, said: "It's really good fun and you see the families going around together. It takes quite a lot of time to do as there are 49 shops involved.

"At least it gets people looking around the shops in Stowmarket and that can only be good for the town. They will be able to see what's available in the town."

The closing date for entries is before 9.30am on July 21 and they must be taken to Pickwicks Coffee Shop or Eldelweiss Florist. Shops taking part pay a £5 entry fee and all proceeds from the event go towards carnival funds.

Events included in the 2003 carnival continue on Sunday with a car boot sale at the recreation ground from noon.

Monday sees a crib night at the Riverside Social Club, while a carnival darts competition is being held at Stowmarket Town Football Club from 8pm on Tues.

A bingo night, pop and trivia quizzes and a carnival dinner and dance are also being held in the run up to the procession on Saturday.

This year's carnival has a television theme and the tour begins at 1pm from Needham Road.

N Entry forms for the window-spotting competition are available from participating shops and from all Evening Star outlets in Stowmarket.