VILLAGERS in Upper Weardale are being asked to put on a scarecrow show to help the local agricultural society.

The competition is being organised in the build-up to the annual St John's Chapel show.

Villagers from Lanehead to Westgate are being invited to create scarecrows based on personalities or cartoon characters, with the competition being judged over the Bank Holiday weekend, starting on Saturday,August 23.

"It is a novel competition which has been successful in other dale," said organiser Sue Tallentire.

"So we thought why not try it out here in Weardale? There are certainly bags of characters worth copying around here."

Mrs Tallentire said the competition would also be a useful pastime for children during the summer holiday.

Prizes will be awarded at St John's Chapel Show on Saturday, August 30.

The organisers are asking that the scarecrows be placed as near to the A689 as possible for easy viewing.

The entry fee for the competition is £2, with forms available at local shops.

For more information contact Ms Tallentire on (01388) 537590 or Louise Moore on (01388) 537464.