Villagers in Hilmarton are gearing up for their second scarecrow festival next month.

After a hugely successful first festival last year in which more than 40 scarecrows were displayed around the village to raise money for the parish church of St Laurence, organisers have decided to hold the event for a second time.

Val Proctor, who organised last year’s TV themed festival, is organising the event again this year.

She said: “Last year saw a wonderful array of scarecrows in the parish and we had some extremely favourable comments from visitors about the quality and variety of the ‘crows’.

“A lot of people asked me if we could have another festival this year as they would have liked to have entered but for one reason or another did not, so this is an opportunity to have yet another chance to go scarecrow potty.

“Last year was a great weekend, with great weather. We can’t guarantee the weather but great fun should be had by all, but we do need scarecrows so please do join in.”

The theme this year will be fairy tales and nursery rhymes and the event will take place on September 18 and 19.

Scarecrows need to be outside houses in a prominent position on September 17 ready for the Saturday at 10am so that numbers can be placed on the crows.

Judging will take place on the Sunday at 3pm.

There will be refreshments in the church hall on both days from 10am and in the Chapel on the Saturday from 10am to 4pm. To register a crow call (01249) 760312.