THE finishing touches are being made to one of the region’s most unusual and charming festivals.

The annual Scarecrow Festival and Fair in the village of Wray takes place from Saturday, April 26 to Monday, May 5.

During the festival, visitors will be able to walk through the village and discover the hundreds of scarecrows made by local residents.

A number of other events will be taking place during the festival, including a 10K road race (April 26), car boot sale (April 27), giant scarecrow parade (May 2), collectors market and vintage vehicle rally (May 4) and Wray fair on the Bank Holiday Monday.

Dave Forshaw, a member of the organising committee, said: “This year is the 27th year of the scarecrow festival and we’re hoping it’ll be 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.”

He added there were no entry fees during the festival, apart from the Bank Holiday fair, and ample parking (£1.50) around the village.

“Wray is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and there are miles of picturesque walks in the surrounding countryside so visitors can be assured of a great day out.”

The highlight of the festival is the Bank Holiday fair and there will be a number of stalls and attractions, including chainsaw carving, a birds of prey display, duck herding and a fell race.

Meanwhile, members of the local fire and rescue team will be demonstrating how to rescue people from a crashed car.

Mr Forshaw said: “During the week, local pupils will be staging a maypole dancing display at 1.30pm and there will be a funfair operating from the Thursday through to the Bank Holiday.”

The entry fee to the Bank Holiday fair field is £4.50 (adults) and £1.50 (children). All profits go to local organisations, such as the WI, over-60s club and the village institute.