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

Residents are being encouraged to come up with more weird and wonderful creations for this year's event, which will run from September 14-22.

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.

The theme for this year's event is 'people from history', and organisers are still looking for residents to volunteer their gardens to host some of the scarecrows.

Deirdre Watson, festivals secretary, said: "The aim is to bring the community together so that we can empower people. We are proud our community.

"Everyone always really tries to join in, schools, shops, churches. It is the coming together of this diverse community and anyone who serves it is welcome to have a scarecrow.

"It is a time to celebrate as a community and the most rewarding part is to see the smile on people's faces and to see neighbours talking to one another."

There will be a family fun day at All Saints Church and St Francis House on Sunday, September 23, before the grand prizegiving.

The committee have also organised a workshop at St Francis House, in Hebburn Drive, on Tuesday, August 14 for anyone who wants to get creative and join in this year's festival.

The free event runs from 10am to 3.30pm and will include demonstrations 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 Tuesday, August 28, and are available at the workshop or from Scarecrow Bury's Facebook page.

It costs £3 to enter a scarecrow in the festival, with the money going towards the eventual prize money given to the winners. For more information, contact 0758 466 0621.