THE final countdown is on as millions of football fans worldwide begin to dream their country will lift the World Cup.

Kicking off on June 12, it has been dubbed by some as the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth and this year's competition is to be held in the cities of Brazil where football is a passion.

Those lucky enough to bag a ticket to watch the England games will soon be jetting off to South America, but closer to home millions will be watching every minute of the tournament.

The Westmorland Gazette wants to know what you are planning to do during the World Cup. Is your pub screening it or are you planning a big party? Also, if you are making the long journey to Brazil please get in touch and tell us your story.

Cumbria Police has just launched its summer drink and drug drive campaign.

Sergeant Paul Brown said: “With events such as the Appleby Horse Fair and the World Cup occurring during the month, as a force, we are expecting to see a large number of people going out and enjoying themselves,” said Sergeant Paul Brown.

“We urge those who do this to act responsibly and not get behind a wheel after consuming alcohol.

“We will also target young drivers as statistically they are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.”

Police anticipate pubs and clubs will be filled with fans watching the tournament.

Sgt Brown added: “Our aim is to prevent danger to road users and with the assistance from members of the public we can take action more effectively.”

Elsewhere, Windermere’s David Bewick is nearing the end of his epic 1,966km trek across South America to raise cash for a well in a drought-ridden part of Brazil.

Mr Bewick set off from Argentina with three friends on March 4 and is days away from finishing in time for the World Cup. The group has been invited by the British Consulate to an event in Belo Horizonte to talk about their project and will also have the chance to meet Prince Harry.

You can donate cash at www.justgiving.com/WalktotheWorldCup-JDeV.

Tell us about your World Cup plans by contacting news editor Mike Addison at mike.addison@nqnw.co.uk or by telephoning 01539-790252.