CAN we through your letters page convey our appreciation to the many people and organisations that supported our Scarecrow Festival 2017 in Kearsley.

Thanks to the Churches on the Mount for initial support for the festival idea and to all our other sponsors and supporters and to Kearsley Youth Brass Band for their excellent musical tour of the community and to all our churches, pubs, cafes and restaurants and schools for providing their services and use of facilities.

We had three brilliant guest judges in Jaden Farrell Mann (Pete Mann) Tony Bridge, Bolton FM and Miss F&K - Christina Cunningham. Their time and patience in viewing all the displays was much appreciated.

To all the entrants who spent time building these exhibits to excellent standards, you displayed the many talents that we possess in Kearsley. To the many visitors who travelled in from other parts of the borough and beyond, your presence added to the enjoyment on the day in seeing thousands of people walking, cycling and driving around our community. The benefits have been social interaction, promotion of community spirit and the impact on the local economy. Feedback tells us that sales in the many shops, pubs and other outlets more than doubled on Saturday.

Finally a big thank you to all the volunteers and to our wonderful organising group for their time and dedication. A special mention to Sandra Arden for her brilliant administration skills. Please visit our Scarecrow facebook page and view the hundreds of photographs.

Tracey Wilkinson and Stephen Tonge

Festival Leaders