BRANDLESHOLME is set to be transformed once again this September thanks to an annual scarecrow festival.

Local residents are being encouraged to come up with more weird and wonderful creations for this year's event, which will run from September 9 -18.

The festival, which was first held in 2013, has proved a huge hit in previous years and organisers are keen to get as many people involved as possible.

Deirdre Watson, Festival Secretary, said: "Just as in previous years, we’re doing this to celebrate the community we live, go to school or work in, and to bring together as many of the different community groups, businesses, schools, local facilities and individuals in our area as we can.

"Let’s celebrate the good things that we have around us and get to know each other better, so we can support each other better as a community.

"We’d love you to be involved by signing up to make your own scarecrow in whatever way takes your creative fancy – the theme is: children’s stories and poems.

"When you’ve signed up, we’ll make sure you’re part of the scarecrow trail during the week of the festival, so people can follow a map around the trail to see every scarecrow in its place, and get to know our community better.

"This year we are asking people within the zoned area to offer their gardens and act as hosts, so if you live outside the area you can still take part."

There will be a family fun day at All Saints Church and St Francis House on Sunday, September 18, before the grand prizegiving.

Next Monday, August 1, the committee have organised a workshop at St Francis House, in Hebburn Drive, for anyone who wants to get creative and join in this year's festival.

The free event runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm and will include demonstrations from youngsters on the National Citizen Service scheme on how to build a scarecrow.

There will be straw available to build scarecrows on the day, but residents must bring any other equipment they need.

Application forms to take part in the festival must be returned by Thursday, August 25, and will be available at the workshop, at Brandlesholme Library, and Burrs Activity Centre.

It costs £3 to enter a scarecrow in the festival. For more information, contact Deirdre Watson on 0791 726 1862.