PREPERATIONS for Kearsley’s first scarecrow festival are underway.

The event, which will be held on September 26, has been widely supported by residents, businesses and schools who have all got crafting to design and make scarecrows.

More than 200 entries have been submitted.

There will also be a chance to win prizes for best scarecrow, which will be judged by Bolton Mayor Cllr Carole Swarbrick.

Programmes for the event will be on sale leading up to and on the day for £2.

Organiser Stephen Tonge said: “I am really looking forward to it and people can expect a lovely day.

“It is a family fun day hunting for scarecrows and is all in aid of raising funds for community defibrillators.”

To buy a programme email kearsleyscarecrowfestival@hotmail.com.

Programmes will also be on sale from now until the event in local venues.