hit carnival

A police presence has been requested by organisers at this year's Barnet Carnival for a Pok?mon trading cards swap session.

Intense competition for rare cards, featuring colourful cartoon characters, has seen outbreaks of Pok?mania in some parts of the country.

Police and supervisors will make sure the swap session, where youngsters trade cards with each other, passes off peacefully as part of the 40th fun-filled carnival on May 29. It is one of many events with a Pok?mon theme taking place in and around Pro-Active Leisure's tent at the Byng Road carnival ground from 1pm onwards.

Pro-Active organiser Stephen Mitchell said: 'When we appeared at the Totteridge May Day Fayre we were inundated. It's the latest craze for kids.'

But it isn't just Pok?mon that will be entertaining. The first Barnet Carnival of the Millennium promises to be a great day out for all the family.

As well as the usual fairground rides, stalls and refreshments, arena entertainments include a skydiving exhibition by The Hawks team of the Royal Air Force and a thrilling stunt motorcycle display.

There is still time to enter the carnival parade and float competition if you hurry ,, and you might win a prize.

But don't worry if you haven't got a float.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the parade as it winds its way up Barnet Hill at around 12.30pm, into the High Street and towards the carnival ground at Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Club in Byng Road.

For details of how to enter the parade. Contact Helen Harte on 020 8441 7545.