THE annual Kington Langley Scarecrow Festival will take place by the village green this weekend with organisers hoping to raise over £2,500 for the UK’s leading charity dedicated to childhood deafness.

The charity was chosen after Ben Harris shared the story of his 1-year-old cousin, Sam, who was recently diagnosed as deaf.

The 11-year-old said that he found it nerve-wracking persuading the festival organisers to support the charity close to his heart but he found that they were very happy to support him.

Hanna Sturman from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “We’re absolutely bowled over by the incredible generosity of the people of Kington Langley.

“There are more than 45,000 deaf children in the UK like Ben’s little cousin, and it is through tireless fundraising events like this festival that we are able to support deaf children and their parents in so many different ways.”

The Scarecrow Festival, themed around ‘myths and legends’, will celebrate its 17th anniversary with over 70 scarecrows across the village.

As well as the scarecrow trail, BBQs, local bands and artists, craft stalls, donkey rides, circus skills workshops, cream teas and a Pimms tent will be provided. There will also be a scrapheap challenge competition for visitors to make their own scarecrows.

The festival is open from 10am to 5pm from June 17-18 and anyone is welcome to attend.