TWO knights will meet in a duel to the "death" at Westhoughton Summer Show and Carnival this weekend.

And the victor in what promises to be a fiercely fought contest on Sunday afternoon will have the honour of placing the crown on the head of Carnival Queen, Charlane Maria Whorton.

The Black Knights, recreating the thrills and splendour of the jousting tournaments of medieval England, will be just one of the many attractions at this year's two-day event.

Four fully armoured and mounted knights, four-men-at-arms, four squires and Merlin the Magician will give two performances on Sunday and head the carnival procession through the streets of the town at noon.

The Duel of the Knights will take place at 2.45pm in the children's arena with the first jousting tournament at 3.30pm and the second at 5.15pm, both in the main arena at Westhoughton's Central Park.

One of the highlight's on Saturday will be two displays by the Motorcycle Madmen stunt team. The five-man team will present a stunning visual show of stunts including the "Tunnel of Fire and the "Trailing Ramp Leap."

The H&M Dog Display Team, which was formed in 1984 and is now one of the most poular displays in the north, will be featured on both days. The team, which appeared at Crufts '97, consists of 15 to 20 handlers and their dogs.

The Bolton Evening News stand will also be presenting clown shows with children's entertainer Terry de Maxim and there will also be a gigantic funfair, bouncy castles, trade stands. charity stalls and various food outlets.

Local people are being encouraged to festoon the streets of the town with bunting and flags to help create a carnival atmosphere for all the family and there is still the chance to enter a float in the carnival procession, which starts at the junction of Bolton Road with Chew Moor Lane. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the starting point at 11.30am.

Various local charities are set to benefit from the weekend of fun and entertainment, and organisers are appealing for volunteers to carry collecting cans during the parade

Various local charities are set to benefit from the weekend of fun and entertainment, and organisers are appealing for volunteers to carry collecting cans during the parade. Ideally they would like people to turn up in fancy dress but it is not essential. Those wishing to help with the collection should also meet at the starting line-up and give their names to the organisers.

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