HIT the scarecrow trial and have fun – that’s the invite from members of Mere Gardening Club, who are organising a scarecrow festival next month.

The scarecrows will be in place by Saturday, June 10, with judging from Monday of the following week, leading up to the event’s conclusion on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18.

Scarecrow trails will be available priced £1 from the town library and The Angel Tea Rooms, and on the final weekend from the United Reformed Church in Boar Street where light refreshments and a plant sale will be on offer.

Trail followers will award marks out of 10 to each scarecrow, and 10 of those who complete the trail will win a prize.

The competition is being sponsored by F J Chalke, L C Hill Funeral Services, Jeans Electrical, The Beauty Box, The Butt of Sherry and Walton House Antiques.