AN ASSORTMENT of characters – including a well known confectionary mascot – will be making an appearance at a village scarecrow festival.

The Liquorice Allsorts character Bertie Bassett proved a big hit with the crowds at Appleton Wiske’s annual scarecrow festival two years ago.

The manufacturers were so impressed they sent products to the village to be used as prizes.

Now the character will be making a comeback when the event returns to the village on the afternoons of June 7 and 8.

It will be one of dozens of characters at the North Yorkshire village’s scarecrow festival. The event will raise money for outdoor play equipment for the village school.

Last year, several hundred people viewed more than fifty scarecrows dotted around the community.

Festival organiser Gill Rawling said this year's event will be just as much fun.

"From giant butterflies to a tribute to the Tour de France, our entrants this year are showing great ingenuity and imagination, " she said.

"It's a fantastic village effort which everyone enjoys, whether taking part or spectating."

New this year is a competition for visitors who will need to be on the lookout for tiny mice among the exhibits. Also on offer are activities for children, including a chance to make scarecrow dolls and jewellery, face painting and a play bus, plus a tombola, raffle, plant stall and homemade cream teas.

Maps showing the location of the scarecrows will be available from the village hall, where refreshments will be served on both afternoons.