CULLINGWORTH Scarecrow Festival – which over the years has raised thousands of pounds for charity – takes place this weekend.

About 60 creations will be on display around the village – in private gardens, shops and churches.

The theme is the 1980s.

Programmes are available, priced £1, from shops.

The festival, on Saturday and Sunday, is now in its 16th year.

Proceeds are split between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) and Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

“The festival has become a village tradition,” said Rosemary Spencer, for the organising committee.

“It brings the community together but we also get a lot of people coming along from a wider area.

“Both the causes we support are close to people’s hearts and since the festival began around £5,000 has been raised for each.”

The event is to receive an award from the YAA for the support it has given.

Refreshments will be available from various village venues during the weekend.

And a minibus tour will operate, taking people around the exhibits. Passengers will be asked to pay 50p each, with under-fives free.

Contact Mrs Spencer on 01535 272325 for further information.