A HAKA competition will be part of the 120th Bishop's Castle Carnival.

This year, committee members are organising a Haka competition and are inviting local groups to produce a haka to be performed in the main ring on carnival day.

Prize money for the Haka will be a £100 donation (per category) from the carnival committee to the winning club or group.

There will be two categories: Senior 18+ and Junior 6 to 17 years and it costs £10 to enter your team (up to 10 people) which will give competitors free entry to the carnival field.

In addition, committee members are always looking for volunteers to help on the day and in setting up the field on the Saturday so anyone who can offer their services should contact them.

The haka is a traditional M?ori dance form. The use of haka in popular culture is a growing phenomenon and the carnival committee felt that a haka competition could be great fun and raise the profile of local groups.

“Because we would like the judging to take place in the main ring on carnival day, it is essential that groups book a place so that we can allocate the correct time for the event,” said press officer Karen Bavastock.

"The carnival has offered generous amounts for prize money and it would be lovely if we had some competition between local groups. We will be contacting local groups in the coming weeks and hope they are keen to be involved.”

Group entries need to be sent to the carnival secretary Amanda Houghton by Friday, June 2 via email to houghton65@btinternet.com or drop off at Union Street Garage in Bishop's Castle.

The carnival is on Sunday, July 2 starting at 12.30pm with a procession through the town.