A QUEEN could be crowned at this year's Bromyard Gala as a once-popular tradition is revived.

The picking of a gala queen and princesses lapsed some years ago, along with decorated carnival floats.

Now organisers are considering bringing it back, as one of a number of ideas to increase community involvement and keep one of Bromyard's biggest events vibrant.

Gala organisers held an open think-tank evening at the Falcon Hotel recently, asking for suggestions.

"The gala is almost 40 years old," said organiser Margaret Dallow. "If we want it to go on for another 40 years we've got to involve as many people as we can, especially young people."

Ideas such as a battle of the bands, car treasure hunt, knockout rounders competition and climbing wall are all being considered. The suggestions are to be listed in the Brom-yard community magazine Off The Record and local people are going to be asked to return a questionaire ticking the things they would most like to see at this years's gala.

"We had a wonderful response at the gala meeting, so many new faces and new ideas," said Mrs Dallow, who has been involved with the gala herself for almost 30 years.

She said the demise of the carnival floats had led to less direct involvement from the townspeople and it was important to get the community involved again.