A SCARECROW festival is being staged in Lees and Cross Roads.

Around 50 creations have been entered into the event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2.

Households and businesses have paid £5 to enter the festival, which is based on a film and television theme.

Maps will be available to buy for £1 from some businesses to help people find the scarecrows.

Children are then invited to add the scarecrows' names and drop the completed maps off at Lees Primary School, for entry into a prize draw.

People will also be asked to vote for their favourite scarecrow, and prizes will be awarded for the top three.

The festival is being organised by the Friends of Lees Primary School, which raises funds for activities such as school trips, plus items including art resources and play equipment.

All proceeds will go to the school.

A Friends spokesperson says: "We have scarecrows entered into the festival covering a wide area of Lees and Cross Roads, from Bocking down to the Longacres estate and the Bronte pub.

"We hope that the event is a huge success and plan on running it annually, with a different theme each year."