BENARTY Events Group will be hosting a pipe band competition on Saturday at Lochore Meadows Country Park.

It starts at noon and there will be an array of bands from across central Scotland competing for the coveted prizes.

This year's chieftain is head of music at Lochgelly High School, Mandy Miller, who has been in the post since the school opened 30 years ago.

Chairman of the Benarty Events Group, Michael O'Hare, said: "So much local talent has passed through her music department in that time and she has always spoken highly of the youngsters from the local area.

"Mandy said she was delighted to be asked to be chieftain for the day.

"There will also be Highland dancing to enjoy along with stalls, a beer tent and much more. It promises to be once again a huge success."

The pipe band competition, suggested by former councillor Willie Clarke and Mike Payne, was taken up by the events group and they're hoping for a big turn-out - and some decent weather! - on the day.

The following Sunday, June 25, will see the annual children's gala at Lochore Meadows.

The parade will leave Benarty Centre at approximately noon and head on down to the park.

There will be the traditional gala boxes – now is the time to buy them before it is too late – as well as races for the children, entertainment, fairground rides and so much more, including displays from local groups.

At 3pm in the park there will be a sky diving team dropping in on the gala.

Mr O'Hare, who won the Community Champion of the Year award at the Times awards this month, said: "It will be a fun packed day for all the family. To hold all these events takes a bit of finance and the local community as always plays their part.

"The Benarty Lottery is proving to be a valuable asset to the group and at this moment in time will be funding all the local events this year. "We ask everyone to participate in the weekly draw to help us in the future.

"We thank everyone that participates every week, whether it be locally or from outside the area.

"The events group have a busy two weeks in front of them and are looking forward to the local community coming along and enjoying the events.

"The group wish to thank everyone that will be giving their time to give a hand with the events, the group could not do it without the help year on year. We hope everyone has a fantastic time. Teamwork makes dreams work."