HARDEN'S 45th annual children's gala takes place next month.

The event – on Saturday, June 16 – will begin as usual with a parade, which will set off from the top of Long Lane at 1.40pm.

It will be led by the New Orleans Jazz Band and will include vintage vehicles and the Wakefield Miss Unique Majorettes.

The gala will be officially opened at the memorial park at 2pm by Gala Queen Lucy Crowther, with attendants Poppy Overend and Isabelle Vidler-Hurt.

Attractions on the field will include the normal range of games – plus some new ones – a roundabout, bouncy castles and slides, a tombola and raffle.

The band and majorettes will entertain, Diddy Dennis the fire engine will be present and a magician will perform.

There will also be the ever-popular tea tent.

Children's races will begin at 3.10pm. Entry is free, and youngsters can just turn-up at the start line.

Medals will be awarded to the first three finishers in each event. The sports programme will conclude with the Caterpillar Cup race between the winning boys' and girls' teams.

The gala committee would like to hear from anyone willing to help on the day.

"We greatly appreciate the support given with the setting-up and dismantling of the gala but can always use extra helpers," said a spokesman.

"If you are able and willing to help, please turn-up on the field on the Saturday morning after 8.30 and contact any committee member.

"Similarly, if you fancy spending an hour or so in the afternoon helping on a stall or in the tea tent, please get in touch."

For more details, visit hardengala.co.uk, e-mail hardengala@hotmail.co.uk or search for Harden Gala on Facebook.