The countdown to this year's Witney Carnival is on - and more people are needed for the traditional tug-of-war contest.

The competition, which will take place in the main arena at The Leys on Saturday, July 8, is open to teams of eight.

Sponsored by the Wychwood Brewery, the prize is nine gallons of beer and t-shirts for both the winning team and runners-up.

The tug-of-war is just one of a series of fun activities that will be going on in Witney on the day. The carnival - sponsored by the Oxford Mail's sister paper The Witney Gazette - starts with a procession of floats at 11am, followed by an official opening by Witney MP and Conservative leader David Cameron, along with the managing director of the Stewart Milne Group.

Anyone interested in taking part in the tug-of-war should call Tony Taylor on 01993 704842.