A SELFIE on the bus is set to earn one carnival-lover a month of free transport and a feast of free tapas.

Cowley Road Carnival organisers have teamed up with sponsor Stagecoach Oxfordshire to launch a social media competition, as the countdown to this year's colourful parade continues.

Passengers have been challenged to take a selfie on a Stagecoach bus and post it on Twitter alongside a caption, explaining why they love the eclectic East Oxford carnival.

It must be accompanied with the hashtag #gettingtocarnival by midday next Thursday, June 28.

The winner will receive a Stagecoach Gold four-week travel pass worth £85 and a £50 meal voucher for Cowley Road tapas bar Arbequina.

Professional photographer Marko Dutka will sift through entries and choose the most creative photo and statement as the best.

The winner will be contacted via Twitter or Facebook the following day.

Karen Coventry, business development manager for Stagecoach Oxfordshire, said the company was 'delighted' to sponsor the event for the fifth year.

She added: "We wanted to celebrate by offering our passengers the chance to win something to enjoy the carnival even more this year.

"The annual event is a staple in Oxford’s calendar and for people from surrounding towns and villages who travel to enjoy it.

"It brings everyone together and we look forward to helping them all get to the carnival safely."

Cowley Road Works, which organises the carnival, thanked Stagecoach and Arbequina for their support.

Its executive director Micaela Tuckwell added: "The competition will help to remind people that #gettingtocarnival by bus – or by foot or bike – is the best way to arrive."

The much-loved carnival takes place this year on Sunday, July 1.