The award winning Romanby WI Scarecrow Festival returns this October half term to the village on the edge of Northallerton and organisers are looking for inventive residents.

Every other year the WI invites residents and businesses to get creative, making and displaying a scarecrow in the trail area.

During the weekend event members of the public can buy a trail map for £1. They explore the trail and use the voting slip to vote for their favourite scarecrow. The winners receive cash prizes, first place is £100.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Previous Scarecrow trails have featured the case of the Wizard of Oz

Organiser and Romanby WI President, Samantha Jennings said: "Romanby WI is an unusual WI because we own our own hall. It’s a timber building that has been serving much like a village hall for 80 years. Thanks to decades of careful custodianship the hall is in great condition, but like any timber building it needs ongoing maintenance.

"We use the money raised at events like the Scarecrow Festival to pay for the upkeep and development of the hall. Coming up we plan to improve the access to the building with a ramp at the fire exit, and in the longer term we’d like to make improvements to the toilet facilities.

"We are so grateful to the community for getting behind the event, whether making a scarecrow or coming on the day to buy a cuppa and a cake. Thank you.

"In previous years residents have wowed visitors with their ambitious creations. From Disney movie stars and films such as the Wizard of Oz to Dr Who and characters from children’s literature, it seems their creativity knows no bounds."

To enter a scarecrow into the competition collect an entry form from the box on the railing of Romanby WI Hall, on The Close. Forms and the £10 entry must be returned by Sunday, October 1.

The Scarecrow Trail takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, maps, cakes and crafts will be on sale at Romanby WI Hall 10am to 4pm both days. To find out more follow Romanby WI on Facebook or Instagram or call 07811 190 193.