Organisers of this year’s Keighley Gala are gearing up for the charity extravaganza.

And they are urging groups, companies and individuals to get involved.

The annual gala, taking place for the 138th time, is again being held on a Sunday – June 8.

The procession will feature nearly a dozen categories. Open and children’s tableaux will be on a First World War theme, to tie in with the centenary of the start of the conflict.

And the primary schools’ walking group section will be themed on the Tour de France, which will be coming through Keighley four weeks after the gala.

Other procession categories include youth organisation walking groups on a carnival theme; children’s fancy dress, featuring computer game characters; adult fancy dress on a vintage clothing theme, and trade advertising, veteran vehicles, gala queens, horse-drawn vehicles and entertainment.

Attractions at Victoria Park will range from the usual funfair and stalls, which will be housed together in a new format, to a dog show and bonny baby competition.

“There will be a lot happening and plenty of opportunities for people to become involved,” said gala chairman, Shona Brunskill.

“We’ve already got two school entries for the procession, plus a samba band and the New Orleans jazz band, which, as usual, will lead it.

“The gala will raise money for Manorlands and other local charities, and we try to keep our costs to a minimum.

“We would like to hear from people who could support us in any way – perhaps by offering sponsorship or donating prizes, or by taking part in the procession. We’re also looking for volunteers to help, with the organising beforehand or by lending a hand on the day.”

A contest to select this year’s gala queen and her retinue is being held at the New Variety Club in Russell Street, Keighley, from 1pm to 4pm on April 12. Entry is on the day.

Categories are pageboy (four to six years), rosebud (four to eight), junior queen (nine to 13) and gala queen (14-plus). The crowning of the gala queen will take place in Town Hall Square before the procession.

E-mail keighleygala2012@gmail.com or call 07981 589539 for further information and to get involved.