A POP idol competition, RAF dog display and high wire Spiderman act are among the highlights of a town carnival party planned for July.

Melksham carnival procession and party in the park are being held on the same day this year to encourage more people to take part.

The party event, held in King George V playing fields, was moved to July so as not to clash with school holidays.

Up to 90 firms took part in a £50 draw to win the right to sponsor the event, with winning firm South West Bearings drawn on Friday.

Another new feature includes a fire walking challenge, where individuals attempt to walk barefooted across 20-feet of burning embers, reaching temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Firefighters with Avon Fire Brigade will be on hand with hosepipes to cool off contestants. Hissing cockroaches, bearded dragon lizards and tarantulas from Bristol Zoo will be among the more exotic side-shows, while there will also be the chance to pelt your least favourite town councillor with wet sponges.

The party will start at 3pm on July 16, finishing at 10pm with a fireworks display. Entertainment will break from 5.30pm to 6.30pm when the procession will take place.