VILLAGERS are being encouraged to create scarecrows as part of Cotherstone’s carnival celebrations.

The theme for this year’s scarecrow trail, which runs from Sunday, June 15, to Sunday, June 29, is Who Am I.

The pre-carnival celebrations start on Friday, June 13, with a fun run behind the Fox and Hounds pub, at 6pm, followed by quoits, at 6.30pm.

On Saturday, June 14, a carnival procession leaves the pub at 1pm, led by the Rhythm Train Samba Band, to the east green, where the fancy dress competition will be judged.

There will be stalls in the village hall all afternoon and a barbecue and rounders match, at the play park, at 3pm.

A duck race on the green in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance starts at 4.30pm.

Sunday’s event take place at Hagg, down by the river, kicking off with a children’s football match at 10.30am, followed by a dog show at 11.30am.

The Walworth Birds of Prey team delivers a static display at noon and a flying display at 1.30pm.

A short songs of praise service takes place at 4.30pm.

The carnival queen is Sarah Robertson, aged 14.

The annual children’s sports, which are usually held on carnival Sunday, will not go ahead unless a volunteer comes forward to organise them.

To get involved with the scarecrows trail, call Ann Thorn 01833-650658.

For information about the carnival, or to volunteer at the event, call Jenny Watson 01833-650668.