THE theme for Hartlepool United’s annual end of season fancy dress spectacular has been announced – with over 1,000 knights of the realm descending on Barrow on Easter Monday.

Now a colourful tradition to mark Pools’ final league game on the road, organiser John Pearson has today confirmed this year’s theme.

In recent years, supporters have travelled the length and breadth of the country as Smurfs, Where’s Wally, Oompa Loompas, Morris Dancers, Clowns, Rastas, Stormtroopers and Penguins.

The picture of the Smurfs on the escalator at Kings Cross Underground Station on the way to Charlton in 2012 was a social media phenomena.

Pools have sold almost 1,200 tickets for the game on Monday, April 22 and organiser John Pearson told the club’s website: “With it being St George’s Day the following day, it made sense for this year’s theme to tie in with that and no doubt there will be a focus on St George himself.

“Anyone who went to Tranmere last season could not have failed to enjoy the day, and the effort some fans went to with their face paint and costumes was brilliant.

“Hopefully this year’s game can be as colourful and as enjoyable for everyone as all the previous occasions and helps to send a positive message to the Club about the force they have behind them.

“Let’s hope this can be the start of Higgy’s Crusade!”