THE Worcester News is ensuring the 400th anniversary of Bonfire Night goes with a bang with a kids' competition to design a 'Guy'.

This year will see the biggest-ever celebration of the failure of Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, 1605.

To remember the murky deed - and the county's role in the plot - the Worcester News and city's Round Table are asking youngsters to use their imaginations and create their own Guy for the annual fireworks celebrations at Pitchcroft racecourse.

The best in each age group - under 11 and under 16 - will take pride of place on top of the bonfire.

The winners will win £50, a free family pass to the spectacular display, plus prizes worth £400 for their school. Two runners up in each category will also win family tickets.

The project will give youngsters the chance to learn about Worcestershire's role in the infamous plot.

Three of the conspirators - Robert Wyntour, his brother Thomas, and half-brother John, all cousins of the leader, Robert Catesby - lived in Huddington Court, near Droitwich, in 1605. It was Thomas who employed the services of Yorkshireman Guy - or Guido - Fawkes, for his expertise in tunnelling and explosives.

If Fawkes' gunpowder had not been discovered, the Houses of Parliament would have been blown up - together with James I, his Privy Council and MPs.

Sarah Bevan, head of promotions at the Worcester News, said: "2005 is an extra special year for bonfire night as it's the 400th anniversary.

"We want children to have some fun as well as winning great prizes for themselves and their schools."

Entry forms will appear regularly in the Worcester News from this week onwards, along with tips on how to build a Guy and more information on Worcestershire's links to the Gunpowder Plot.

The final judging of the designs will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, November 5, at Pitchcroft racecourse, where the Round Table's bonfire will be awaiting the torch. All entries will be used to fuel the flames.

l Want to know how to make a Guy? See the Worcester News next week for tips and hints on how to build your own prize-winning Guy.