Strange visitors have appeared around Flimby ready for the village's carnival tomorrow.

Bill and Ben, suspicious looking workers and a trainspotter are among those who have been seen standing silently and still.

The visitors are, in fact, the work of the many people who entered the village scarecrow competition which has become part of carnival week.

Pauline Gunning's entry Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was judged best overall and group winner, with Michelle Hodgson's Bill and Ben named best original.

Fredrick the Trainspotter, by Suzanne McKeown, won the title funniest scarecrow, while the best dressed was Time for a Tea Break by Joy Chivers.

The carnival itself is all set to go tomorrow, with judging starts at Flimby Primary School at 1pm and the procession will set off at 1.30pm.

It will head up Ryehill Road, down St Helen's Avenue, up St Nicholas Avenue, onto Wedgewood Road and down West Lane to the rugby field.

Rolling road closures will be in place.

Meanwhile, it's all systems go for Maryport carnival on July 8, following concern it might have to be called off.

Organisers issued an appeal for volunteers last Thursday night due to a shortage of stewards.

After the appeal on the Times & Star website and social media, enough volunteers have come forward to ensure safety on the route.

(For more information on Flimby carnival see Page)