OVERTON Scarecrow Festival is back for its fifth year running next week.

Scarecrows are already dotted around the village in the lead up to July 13 to 15 where three days of fun will commence.

Friday evening will kick off in traditional style with the Wheelbarrow Race, followed by the Grand Fete on Saturday and Sunday- which includes a dog agility test on the last day and a night of music, Scarecrow Rocks, on Saturday night.

Previous years have seen around 400 scarecrows entered in the competition.

Co-organiser Adrian Gibbons said: “They can be anywhere around the village, obviously the majority are put up by local people which is the amazing part. I just want to see people having a good time and enjoy the day and hope it is good weather.

“It is just nice to see the local people enjoying themselves and what people like about the village is there are always things to keep people entertained.”

Volunteers from Overton Walking Group got to work last weekend, putting up their scarecrow creations to get the ball rolling ahead of the festival.

The annual wheelbarrow race is still open for people to enter, with a route that begins at Pound Road and ends at Overton Recreation Centre in Bridge Street.

The rest of the festival will be hosted at the recreation centre packed with a programme of music, activities, events and stalls.

Saturday will also see the return of Wheelie Bin races along with other competitions.

The village’s big event started up in 2009 and is organised solely by volunteers.

Money raised will support sports and recreation sites in the community.

For more information on the festival, go to overtonscarecrowfestival.uk or search for Overton Scarecrow Festival’s Facebook page.