PLANS are now well under way for this year's Keighley Gala.

An annual competition to select a gala queen and retinue takes place next month.

And entries are now open for the procession and stalls.

The gala queen contest is being held at Keighley Shared Church Hall from 12.30pm to 3.30pm on April 11.

In addition to the queen, who should be aged 14 or over, there are categories for junior queen (nine to 13), rosebud (four to eight) and pageboy (four to six).

Entries will be accepted on the day.

The winners will carry out a range of duties during the year, including representing Keighley at other galas and attending the switching-on of the town's Christmas lights.

Themes for the procession on gala day, Sunday June 7, have been finalised – films for the open and children's tableau class, children's books for both the walking groups sections, and superheroes for all fancy dress age groups.

And organisations are being urged to book stalls at the Victoria Park venue.

Gala chairman Andrew Jackson said an event at the Exchange Arts Centre in Keighley to raise funds for this year's extravaganza had been a huge success.

"We raised over £250 and would like to thank everyone who gave their support," he said.

There was also a raffle which raised £72.50 for the Friends of Airedale.

E-mail admin@keighleygala.co.uk or visit keighleygala2012@gmail.com for further details about the gala and to enter the procession or book stalls.

The committee can also be contacted via the Facebook page We Love Keighley Gala.