A HEROES and villains theme has seen the people of Wray excel themselves for the 27th annual scarecrow festival.

Both 'goodies' and 'baddies' are now lining the streets and gardens of the north Lancashire town thanks to residents, business owners and schoolchildren who have embraced the theme and re-creating hundreds of famous faces.

Characters from TV and film - including Buzz Lightyear, Darth Vader, Tom and Jerry and Aladdin - can all be seen.

Real life characters have also made it into the parade - including a scarecrow version of Margaret Thatcher. The festival officially opened this morning and will run until May 5.

Throughout the week visitors will be able to walk through the village and discover the creations.

A 10K road race is set to take place today to mark the opening of the festival, while a car boot sale will be held tomorrow, a giant scarecrow parade will take place on May 2 and a collectors market and vintage vehicle rally will run on May 4.

Wray Fair will be held on the May 5.

Dave Forshaw, a member of the organising committee, described the event as 'bigger and better than ever'.

“Local people have been hard at work making their scarecrows – this year’s theme is ‘heroes and villains’ – and there will be plenty for visitors to do and see.”