PEOPLE are being encouraged to throw their hats into the ring ahead of a madcap contest.

A 'Bradford Hat-Throwing Competition' is being held on Saturday, as part of the first annual North Parade street party in the city centre.

The organiser, local poet and showman Glyn Watkins, said participants would have to try to throw hats onto various hooks.

He said they would get extra points for bringing their own hat - the more stylish the better - but no metal parts were allowed on the hats for safety reasons.

People will have to donate money to enter, with half of all profits going to HFT Bradford, a charity based in North Parade which helps people with learning disabilities.

The street party is being organised by independent traders to promote the area as Bradford's 'independent quarter'.

Mr Watkins is pictured preparing for the big day with 'hat girls' Caroline Naylor and Nikki Walton at the Sparrow Bier Cafe in North Parade.