TRADITIONAL maypole dancing and singing on the village green has been added to the entertainment on offer at Devauden Cross Country Races on May Bank Holiday.

Monday 4th May will see Forest of Dean Ceilidh band "Life of Riley" providing music and folk dancing lessons during the races and then, after the prize giving ceremony, the band will move to the village green where a traditional maypole with ribbons will have been erected.

"Devauden's local Brownies have volunteered to learn the Maypole routine, but everyone attending will be encouraged to have a go, with age no barrier," said race organiser John Brooks.

There are cross country races for every age group including children six and under starting from 10am. The Maypole dancing will start around 1.30pm and is free.

Every child under 15 who finishes a race will get a specially designed medal while anyone completing the 10k in under an hour will get a sub sixty club Tshirt with an iconic tree motif.

Each male and female category winner will be presented with a distinctive tree trophy produced by Chepstow School from wood donated by ex-Chepstow pupil and MD of Monmouth Timber Supplies, Chris Worthy.

There's a £100 bonus prize donated by Spectrum Internet for anyone setting a new course record for the 10k. The male record is 36.05, the female record 39.54.

The main sponsor is Western Power Distribution, with Nathan James Estate Agents sponsoring the T-shirts and CLS Performance, the children's medals and prizes.

Money raised by the races will be shared equally between SARA, Severn Area Rescue Association, which provides emergency and first aid cover throughout the events, and Devauden's Hood Memorial Hall. Both are registered charities.

For more information and pre–entry visit http://www.devauden.org.uk/races">www.devauden.org.uk/races