The scarecrows are home to roost

BELOVED heroes and villains from children’s books will be brought to life as the Delph Donkey Scarecrow Trail returns.

Now in its 13th year, the popular trail will see the scarecrows on display until Sunday, June 16, taking in school’s half-term holiday and finishing after Whit Friday weekend.

The scarecrows will be mainly found in the village centre, with some also near the crossroads and others down Pingle Lane off Denshaw Road.

And all will be designed in keeping with this year’s theme of children’s favourite books, which was also the theme in their very first year.

The circular trail will offer those taking part a pleasant walk. Trail guides with clues (£2) will be available from Delph Post Office, Delph Library, other outlets in Delph and Saddleworth Museum.

There will be prizes for those who correctly identify the most scarecrows, and also a prize for participants’ favourite scarecrows.

Along with some children’s books, other prizes have been kindly donated by local businesses including the Old Bell Inn, the Millgate Arts Centre and Millgate Hair Studios.

The annual trail is organised by the Delph Community Association and all money raised goes towards community projects such as the maintenance and improvement of the Chapel Gardens.

Last year’s event raised a record amount of more than £750 towards village projects and the favourite scarecrow was named as Whoopi Goldberg at The Old Bell Inn.