GALA Day in Bidford, on August Bank Holiday Monday, promises to be even bigger and better than ever this year, raising lots of cash for the Christmas lights.

For many years, villagers organised an annual carnival but, two years ago, it looked as if the old tradition was about to die.

It was at that stage that Bidford Christmas Lights Committee stepped into the breach and with only six weeks to go managed to put together a superb Gala Day.

Last year's was even better and this year promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family.

Centred on The Big Meadow, from 2pm to 6pm, children can enjoy their own "It's a Knockout," fancy dress, animal corner and face painting.

Adults can join in with such things as wellie wanging, tug-of-war, beat the goalie, go karting and crazy biking.

There will also be all sorts of competitions from bonnie baby to glamourous granny - to be judged by Andrew Castell and his wife Karen, nee Drury, known recently as Susannah of Brookside, lots of stalls, tea and beer tents and entertainments galore.

Entrance is £1, with children half price, and there is a portable TV to be won for a lucky number programme.

Treasurer Sonia Blick said: "We are looking to make £2,000 on the day towards the £5,000 it takes to have the Christmas lights.

"The rest of the money comes from a variety of other fund-raising activities throughout the year."

In its first year, Bidford Christmas Lights Committee put up 30 lights and added another 30 last year, and this year TV star Jane Gurnett (Kate in Crossroads, a police inspector in Dangerfield and a nurse in Casualty) will switch on the December illuminations.

"We have found that these functions are pulling the village together again having been split by the bypass," said committee member Jane Crompton.