Richmond goes baa-rmy later this month as the town launches its annual festival.

A new addition to the programme is a Sheep on Show competition - and children from local schools have already entered into the spirit of things, working on their own creations which will go on public display in town centre shops.

From Saturday, June 23, passers-by will be able to enter a Spot The Sheep competition, with a top prize of £20. All the sheep will be auctioned off in the town centre on Sunday, July 1, with £50 for the one which attracts the highest bid.

The competition is the brainchild of festival organiser Stuart Parsons, who was inspired by the Cows on Parade contest, run in Chicago every year.

"We wanted a colourful festival event that would help local farmers," he said.

Templates for cut-out sheep have gone to six professional artists in the town.

Entry forms are available from the Richmond Tourist Information Centre and Ken Warne's Grocers, in the Market Place.

The Richmond Festival proper runs from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

Events include live theatre, music, dance and art exhibitions, an It's a Knockout competition, street entertainers and free cinema screenings of 102 Dalmatians and Castaway.