Giant insects are set to invade Oxford like a scene from a horror film - but it's all in the name of fun.

Organisers of this year's Cowley Road Carnival, to be held on July 1, are creating giant bicycle-powered bugs to add to the festivities, which are expected to attract thousands of revellers.

The creatures will range from a giant butterfly with flapping wings through to a huge ant with moving legs, powered by volunteers through a system of gears and chains.

Now the artists making the insects need help from the public to make sure the creatures not only look the part but are ready by the July deadline.

Workshops are being held every Saturday and Sunday in June at the Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, East Oxford. Organiser Simon Chatterton said: "We hope to get loads of people involved and taking part in street performance in Oxford.

"The workshops will be great fun and an exciting way to take part in the carnival."

The colourful bugs are the brainchild of artists Martin West and Dave Young.

Other projects being organised in the run-up to the carnival itself include an evening of talks on street arts, and formation of a street community band to perform at the carn- ival.

This year's celebrations will also feature music, food and performances throughout the day. A Teddy Bears' Picnic is also being planned for the Dawson Street garden, where it is hoped 1,000 bears will gather to mark 1,000 years of Oxfordshire history, in aid of children's charity Barnado's.

Bears can be dropped off at the Barnardo's charity store, and Bead Games, both in Cowley Road.

Fire and the abolition of slavery will also be themes of the carnival. Last year's event, which featured a festival of food but no parade, attracted 20,000 people.

All the up-to-date information on the carnival will soon be available by logging on at www.cowleyroadcarnival.org To sign up for a workshop contact Mr Chatterton on 01865 767830.