DONT be surprised if you see lots and lots of scarecrows from this weekend in Wilmslow

The fifth annual Scarecrow Festival, which is is organised by Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club, will be launched this weekend.

The 15 day event, was established in conjunction with Wilmslow Business Group and Wilmslow in Bloom, as a means of attracting more people to come and shop in the town, while raising money for worthwhile causes.

A colourful parade will be held on June 27 as part of the festival, which runs from June 20 to July 4.

Among this year's entries, the Ringway Life Building's display celebrates the Adventist Church's strong tradition of music and five hundred years of worship on the site at Sunbank Lane.

Several church members which include Beryl Emm, Wendy Coy, Janet Burton, Chris Comrie and some of the younger members, worked as a team to create two choral groups representing past and present.

Rotary member Geoff Shelmerdine said: "Scarecrow season in Wilmslow will soon be upon us and no doubt the local community and visitors to the town during the event will be hoping for even more exhibits to raise a smile this year.

"Scarecrows are derived from drawing on our rich history of folkloric practices, encouraging harvests to be fruitful, present day events and even modern technology goes hand-in-hand when it comes to subject matter.

"Happily, the gusto with which the festival is supported by local businesses, schools and individuals, is set to grow and grow, and in doing so attract more people to shop in the town and raise much needed funds for local charities."