ORGANISERS are planning a colourful St Patrick's Day parade in Huddersfield.

The celebration - the fifth in the town - takes place on Sunday, March 13, starting at 1pm.

And two top bands from Ireland are being brought in for the celebrations.

John McLoughlin, who is part of the organising committee, said: "The Millstreet Pipers, from Cork, will lead the procession through Huddersfield town centre and the Brosna Ceili Band, from County Offaly, will bring up the rear.

"This is a coup for us and is partly due to £3,500 grants we have secured from Kirklees Council's Cultural Services Community Chest and Young People's Services.

"The parade will have at least 10 decorative themed floats and there will also be dancers, live music and children's entertainers.

"The Irish bands will also play at a concert in the Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street on the eve of the parade, so it should be a great weekend.

"It is a tremendous boost to the Irish community and the people of Huddersfield, who will benefit from another spectacular parade."

The whole event is expected to cost about £15,000 to stage and organisers are still raising cash.

A Stars In Their Eyes special at the Irish Centre raised £450.

St Patrick's Day is actually on March 17.