The scarecrows are coming to Diggle

A tiny Saddleworth community is bracing itself for a fresh invasion of creative and handmade scarecrows.

The stimulating idea comes from the hard-working Friends of Diggle School (FODS) who last year encouraged locals to enter their first fundraising  Scarecrow Trail.

And hundreds of visitors thronged the village to see the authentic mini masterpieces scattered around homes, gardens and windows across the community.

Now locals are secretly hard at work preparing exhibits on the theme ‘Films’ in readiness for the trail, which has a registration deadline of Friday, March 20.

The trial itself takes place from Saturday, April 4, until Sunday, April 19, and already more than 40 scarecrows have been entered.

Tracy Buckley, from FODS, said: "The entries are still a secret but there will be plenty of family friendly films. 

"I can't tell you any of the names of the films as that would spoil the trail for people, but you can expect to see lots of Disney films and quite a few retro films.

"We have had some great choices with more promised and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the walk around the trail identifying each tableau." 

The event has its own Facebook page, Diggle Scarrcrow Trail, and entrants can register a scarecrow by emailing digglescarecrowtrail@outlook.com or picking up a registration form from Grandpa Greene’s, Diggle Chippy, Diggle Lock or The Gate Inn. 

Visitors can also collect trail sheets from the same locations from April 4, priced at £3.

FODS are a registered charity and all profits made directly benefit the children of Diggle School.

Completed sheets will be entered into a prize draw, donated by local businesses, and there will be prizes for best adults or child’s choice of winning scarecrow.