CELEBRITIES will descend on Long Lee and Thwaites Brow on Sunday, July 1, as the neighbourhoods host their annual Scarecrow Trail.

The Village Hall Action Group is again organising the event and promises more than 20 life-size models dotted around the community.

Residents, churches, businesses and community groups put together the exhibits and many of them create elaborate settings for their scarecrows.

The event, which will see dozens of families scouring the streets of Long Lee and Thwaites Brow in search of the displays, comes a day before the hall’s annual general meeting.

Village Hall spokesman June Keeler said the event would run from 12.30pm until 4pm, starting at the hall in Long Lee.

She said: “Visitors can buy a map for £1 and be the judges on the day by voting for their favourite scarecrow. A variety of stalls and refreshments are at the hall too.

“We have received more than 20 entries so far to be dressed for the ‘Movies’ theme.”

Anyone wishing to enter a scarecrow should email jemkeeler@virginmedia.com as soon as possible.

The annual general meeting will be held on July 2 at 7pm, when the existing committee will be looking for new members.

June said: “No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to become involved in managing the hall. The hall is really thriving with a variety of clubs, social groups and children’s groups using it.

“The hall will continue to function for the foreseeable future as we have received some funding from the council, which was necessary in order to meet the significant increase in running costs.”

Special events coming up include the return of an Italian spiritual guru on July 16, with free entry for all.

Afternoon tea parties have been replaced by a Knit and Natter Club on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month.

Several private parties have been held at weekends for small children.

There are a host of regular sessions at the Village Hall, such as four yoga sessions each week, including a ‘men only’group.

The pre-school and after-school club, called Abi-Mays, runs on a daily basis Monday to Friday and during school holidays.

The Art and Craft Club meets twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays afternoons. Lego Club is held once a month on a Saturday morning, and the Gardening Club runs during the summer.

The Friends of Parkwood hire the hall once every two months and dates are already booked for the forthcoming year.

The Village Hall has an ongoing partnership with Long Lee Primary School, whose choir performs once a year for the Knit and Natter Club.

Email jemkeeler@virginmedia.com for further information about all activities at the Village Hall.

Victoria Wood was among many of the attractions during the 2016 Scarecrow Trail, which was combined with an open gardens day.

The late comedian came second in the competition behind the Mad Hatter, but both beat Peter Rabbit, who had been created by a class of children from Long Lee Primary School.

That year the event had five gardens open and 11 scarecrows on show. The Scarecrow Trail event has been held since 2012, and over the years creations have included sportspeople, Tour de France models, and Kate Middleton with her newborn prince.