FIFTY years ago the Dursley Rosebuds were an important part of the town's annual carnival and gala day.

Now Dursley Town Festival is hoping to revive the Rosebuds for this year's carnival procession on Saturday, July 10.

Three girls between the ages of four and 11 will be chosen to be the 2004 Dursley Rosebuds and lead the carnival procession through the town and up to the recreation ground just as youngsters did half-a-century ago.

Girls wishing to take part in the competition will have their picture printed in the Gazette and readers will be asked to vote for their favourite.

The girl receiving the most votes will receive a Gazette trophy and £50 in cash. The two runners-up will each receive a Gazette trophy and £25.

Photographs, which should be head-and-shoulders only, should be sent to Rosebud Competition, The Gazette, Reliance House, Long Street, Dursley, GL11 4LS to arrive no later than Monday, May 31.

The Brownies - formed in 1914 and celebrating their 90th anniversary this year - were also called Rosebuds when they first started. And while it is hoped that many Brownies will enter the Rosebud competition, girls do not have to be Brownies in order to take part.

The Gazette would also like to hear from any original Rosebuds from the 1950s or earlier. The festival committee is hoping that the oldest Rosebud will be able to present the trophies to the youngsters at the carnival.

Meanwhile there is a chance for young musicians to win £400 worth of music equipment in Dursley Town Festival's Battle of the Bands at Capones, Long Street, also on Saturday, July 10.

Bands must have an average age of 18 or below and have no more than six members.

Each will play a three-song set, which can be made up of cover songs and original songs. The winning band will receive equipment donation by Barnes and Mullins, and get to play a 40-minute set after the competition has finished.

Event organiser Steve Smith said: "The competition is important because there aren't many venues that young bands can play at. The competition draws a crowd of about 200 people and the bands take it really seriously."

While a few bands have already entered, Mr Smith would like to see bands from schools taking part.

"All the money raised by Battle of the Bands will go to the charities supported by the festival," he said.

Entry forms can be obtained at Intersound, Parsonage Street, Dursley, and must be returned by Thursday, July 1.