ANDY Burnham will swap the rigours of Parliament for the challenge of an assault course next month when he takes part in It's a Knockout.

The Leigh MP will lead a team of 10 to take part in the hilarious competition -- just one event in this year's Leigh Carnival weekend -- which runs from July 25-27.

His 'A' team will all be decked out in red Labour t-shirts when they face stiff opposition from Waterfields, Stephensons Solicitors and Sainsbury's in the Stuart Hall inspired show.

And Andy told the Journal: "It should be an interesting experience to say the least, although I'm expecting our hotchpotch team to come up against some tough opposition.

"The Leigh Carnival is a very important event which the town all needs to get behind. It's great to see the Carnival back after so many years and the organisers have done a brilliant job."

The fun and games will kick-off on Friday, July 25 when female vocalist Holli will sing in the marquee at Bedford High School where there will be a disco and a bar.

On Saturday morning It's a Knockout takes place and in the afternoon the Carnival Queen will be crowned to the sound of songs from the shows and live music from the marquee. Revellers can dance the night away on Saturday evening when Tina Turner tribute band River Deep and support band Monterey Jack plays the marquee.

At midday on Sunday there's a church service in the marquee and frivolities continue with The Drum Majorettes' parade. Then six piece Soul Band Junior Parker and the Houserockers plus Erica George will round off the show in fine style.

Tickets are now available from Cannings, Bents Electrical and the Litten Tree -- admission costs £1 per adult and 50p for children over 12, under 12s free.

Tickets to see Holli will cost £2, and £5 for River Deep/Monterey Jack and the Junior Parker and the Houserockers/Erica George shows.