REDDITCH residents are being invited to get involved in making some interesting characters, or just enjoy a fun day out as Scarecrow Day returns to Forge Mill.

As part of the event, organised by Redditch Borough Council, a competition will be held for the best scarecrow character and special scarecrow making days have been arranged for August 26 and 27.

To take part visitors just need to turn up with some old clothes and pay £3 for the 'ingredients' to bring a scarecrow to life.

Prizes up for grabs include £25, £50 and £75 worth of Kingfisher Shopping Centre vouchers.

The crazy characters will be judged on Sunday, August 30 at the Scarecrow Day event which also includes children's activities, pony rides, face painting, animal mania and an array of gift, food and craft stalls.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Captain Swing - a five piece English ceilidh band playing exciting music for dynamic barn style dances.

Councillor Pat Witherspoon, whose portfolio covers leisure services, said: "What better way is there to spend the bank holiday than enjoying scarecrow making or pony rides with the children, a barn dance with your partner or perusing the many stalls on offer?

"This is just another one of our brilliant and popular events designed to keep boredom at bay over the summer so pop along and enjoy a fun day out for all the family."

The scarecrow making days will run from 11am until 3pm and Scarecrow Day will run from 11am until 5pm.

Admission to Scarecrow Day is £2 for adults and £1 for children which includes entry into the museum's Alien Invasion exhibition.