Leicestershire County Council is offering free road closure applications for street parties being held to mark the Coronation of His Majesty the King later this year.

Ashby-based council leader Nick Rushton has described it as an 'historic event' for the country and Leicestershire.

The Coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6, and, across the weekend, including on Monday, May 8, there will be further opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion.

On Sunday, May 7, the Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together, will take place across the country.

The council says its decision will help to support villages and communities who want to organise events.

The applications for temporary traffic orders, which involve road closures if events are being held on the highway, usually cost in the region of £400 - £650.

Ashby-based councillor Nick Rushton

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 31.

Cllr Rushton said: "The Coronation of His Majesty the King will be an historic event for the country - and the county of Leicestershire.

"We want to help people to celebrate and encourage communities to come together to mark this special occasion, so we'll be waiving road closure fees.

"However, if individuals or communities are planning an event, such as a street party, you will need to let us know in good time, so that the necessary arrangements can be put in place."

So far, groups in Lutterworth, Syston, Castle Donington and Hugglescote are among the communities who have applied for the traffic orders.

Guidance, complete with an application form, is available HERE or by e-mailing [email protected]