PREPARATIONS for the 12th annual Blackrod Scarecrow Festival are well under way and organisers are expecting it to be one of the biggest ever.

More than 100 people have already signed up to the event, one of the biggest of the year in Blackrod, which will take place on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1.

Jean Hibbert, organiser of the festival, said: "Preparations are under way for the 12th annual Scarecrow Festival in Blackrod and already more than100 people have registered for this year’s event.

"Life is very busy in this corner of the borough and this year the date has had to be brought forward to June 30 and July 1 as Ironman is back in Bolton on July 15 and Adlington Carnival weekend happens on July 7 and 8.

The event will also include food and drink outlets around the village, including cakes and refreshments on sale at St Katherine’s Church.

Mrs Hibbert added: "Thank you to all those people who have supported us in the past — we hope you’ve enjoyed your time with us and we are looking forward to putting on a great event again this year."

Any profit raised at the festival from selling programmes and refreshments helps the village's schools and churches, which are open on the day.

Remaining funds are used to help community groups and causes.

For more information on the event, send an email to blackrodscarecrows@yahoo.com or contact Mrs Hibbert on 01204 691575.

Alternatively, go to the Blackrod Scarecrow Festival 2018 page on Facebook.