PLANS for this year's Tavistock Carnival are well underway and the Lions Club, which organises the week's entertainment, is hopeful that the cash prizes on offer will encourage more organisation and individuals to enter the carnival spirit and join the parade on Saturday July 18.

This year's theme of 'Tell us a Story' gives a very wide scope for those wishing to take part, so the Lions are expecting a great variety of interpretations.

A Lions spokesman said: 'The participants can enter any one of six classes, the first two being artistic and humorous, where the prize money is £100 for first, £70 for second and £50 for third.

'The other four classes are for walkers only, the first being for groups numbering no more than six which is ideal for individuals, families or groups of friends.'

The second walking class is for groups numbering more than six with the third being for any number of walkers accompanying a decorated vehicle.

The final walking class is for any number of walkers who are either carrying or pushing a home-made guy in a pram or similar form of transport. The prizes for classes 1 and 4 are £40 for first, £30 for second and £20 for third and for the other two classes, £50 for first, £35 for second and £25 for third.

All entries are also judged for their interpretation of the theme for which there is a prize of £100 and all class winners are eligible for the top prize of £150 awarded to 'best in procession'.

The spokesman said: 'All participants receive a donation from the street collection which last year was just under £2,800, so the financial reward can be extremely good, especially if you are also one of the class winners.'

'Best in procession' last year was the Brown Monkey Mini Club which received £350, part of which they generously donated to the Children's Hospice South West. St Andrew's WI won 'Best in Theme' with their interpretation of the 'Calendar Girls' and received £200 in total.

Those organisations which have taken part in previous years will receive an application form in the post and there will also be one published in the Times later this month.

In the meantime anyone who would like further information can contact the procession organiser Lion Roger Lethbridge on 01822 613794.