Scarecrows descending on Urchfont

10:12am Wednesday 30th April 2008

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THE village of Urchfont, near Devizes, is about to experience a friendly invasion as it prepares for its 11th scarecrow festival.

Over 4,000 are expected to descend on the village over May Day bank holiday weekend as they follow the trail of scarecrow displays on a set theme and try to identify each tableau.

This year the theme is Scarecrow Pursuits and villagers have been busy working on their models for the last few weeks.

Jane Steadman was one of the original scarecrow makers 11 years ago and she still enjoys creating the characters. She was staying tight-lipped about what her latest construction represents.

She said: "It's always fun and it attracts a lot of people to the village we're very proud of. Above all, it makes a lot of money for local good causes."

The profit generated by the event over the years has amounted to £35,000, much of which has gone towards the planned extension to the village hall, where work is about to begin.

As well as the trail itself, there is a plant sale organised by June Turnbull and a floral festival will be taking place in St Michael's Church.

Trail maps are available from the marquee beside the pond, where refreshments will be on sale at a barbecue and a licensed bar.