AN urgent plea has been made for entries to a local scarecrow showcase.

Kearsley Scarecrow Festival’s sixth year is fast approaching and organisers are putting out an appeal for entries.

After cancelling the event last year due to Covid-19, residents were pushing for the event to go ahead this year. Organisers took the plunge and entries have been coming through but the numbers are considerably lower than in previous years.

Event organiser Cllr Tracey Wilkinson said: “Each and every year we have an incredible footfall of people attend Kearsley to see the wonderful creations made by residents, businesses and schools.

“But the event wouldn’t be possible without the scarecrows. If you’re a first timer or you are hardcore and doing this for the sixth time, we just ask you get in touch this week and let us know you are taking part.

“Scarecrows come in all shapes and sizes from those who have a creative flare to those who throw one together.

“It is a great way to get the whole family involved or promote your business.

“The festival was set up back in 2015 to bring the community together and after the last 18 months we have all endured organisers are wanting the event to bring back some normality to the people of Kearsley.”

The event on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, is open to every resident, business, organisation, school and nursery who fall within the Kearsley council ward.

Organisers will take last minute entries this week but cannot go beyond August 22 due to the need to produce the event programme.

The programmes are sold over the scarecrow weekend and all money raised is ploughed back into the community.

A panel of judges decides on the winners and runners up and trophies and cash prizes are handed out on the Sunday.

The Kearsley Festival Group who voluntarily ran this event have announcing the first guest judge as Pete Green, the "Jailhouse Rocker" who recently featured on BBC 1's I can see your voice - hosted by Bolton's very own Paddy McGuinness.

Entry to the festival costs £5 you can email the team at kearsleyscarecrowfestival@hotmail.com for further details.