HOLLYWOOD stars will flock to a small village in the region for an Oscar ceremony with a difference later this month.

East Cowton, in North Yorkshire, needs to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to pay for a new village hall.

So, as well as the traditional jumble sales, the community has turned to the glitzy world of showbiz for help.

Stars from the big screen have been invited to attend an awards ceremony on Saturday, March 27, which will include its own red carpet reception.

So far, some big names have indicated they will be coming along - or at least they will be represented by villagers dressed as them.

The best look-alike performances on the night will be rewarded with Oscars and the winners will be given the opportunity to give a brief acceptance speech to their adoring fans.

"I understand we could be welcoming stars like John Wayne, Raquel Welch, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe and Crocodile Dundee," said villager Ernie Brown.

"However, we are not in a position to confirm the full guest list, as quite a few 'stars' are keeping their plans close to their chests."

Tickets for the evening have been selling fast at the village post office, which can be contacted on (01325) 378214.

"We have other fundraising events in the pipeline but we're hoping people will see this as something a bit different and give us their support," said Mr Brown.