TUG-O-WAR is appearing in the Dursley Town Festival for the first time this year.

Following a poll of Gazette readers by festival committee chairman, Sophie Shuttlewood, Tug-o-War was high on the list of events that Dursley people wanted to see.

The competition will be held on the Recreation Ground on Saturday, July 10 with teams from local organisations, pubs and sports clubs pulling against each other to reach the grand final at 5pm. Prizes for the winners in various categories will be presented immediately after the last pull. Teams consist of eight (with not fewer than four women in the mixed team) and a non-pulling coach.

The organisers emphasise that while a competitive spirit is useful, fun is the main purpose of the event for both combatants and spectators, and deny rumours that a team of professionals from Stow-on-the-Wold will be entering disguised as a ladies team.

Entries close on Thursday, June 10 which leaves plenty of time for training and toughening the hands.

Anyone wishing to enter a men's team, women's team, mixed team or junior team (14 and under) should contact Phil Dee on 01453 549 392 for more information.

* A reminder that entries for the carnival Rosebud competition close on Monday, May 31. Girls aged between four and 11 should send head-and-shoulders photos to the Gazette at Reliance House, Long Street, Dursley, GL11 4LS. The winner will receive a Gazette trophy and £50 while two runners-up will each receive a trophy and £25. The Gazette would also like to hear from any original Rosebuds who took part in Dursley Carnival in the 1950s or earlier.