There will be scarecrows at every turn this weekend, when Dean Arts and Scarecrow Festival takes place.

More than 80 creations will be popping up today throughout Dean, Ullock and Branthwaite.

They will have been lovingly made by residents, who, in the run up to the weekend, become very secretive about what they're up to in their sheds or garages.

Carol Thomas, of Branthwaite, is on the organising committee. "It's got bigger and bigger over the years. It's a real community effort.

"Excitement really builds just beforehand and lots of people are disappearing into their garages with all sorts of bits and pieces.

"It's great to see the end results popping up everywhere and there's always lots of excitement in the church on Monday when the winner is announced. Although really everyone just loves taking part and seeing what everyone has done."

Louise Richardson, is committee treasurer. "I was at Dean Primary School this week and the children are all excited about what's going on. They are making a scarecrow and also doing a maypole dance.

"And so many people in the parish will be baking for us, that's where we make most of our money," said Mrs Richardson. 

This will be the fourth festival. Funds raised will be divided between the church, school and two village halls.

A trail map showing the scarecrows' locations will be available for £1 and include a voting slip so participants can select their favourite one. The five-mile route can be walked or driven.

The festival  will be officially opened by Workington MP Sue Hayman at a concert in St Oswald's Church, Dean at 7pm today. It will run until Monday. 

There will be lots on offer throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, in Dean and Ullock, including circus shows and workshops. 

Astral Circus's big top tent will host workshops and shows over the weekend and a barbecue and dance on Saturday evening. There will also be a wooden mouse hunt in the church, where local groups will each have a display. There will be maypole dancing, music, arts and crafts, cookery demo, meerkat visit and classic cars display. Events will be held in Dean Primary School, church and Kirstile Community Hall and Ullock Village Hall. Both halls will also serve refreshments. 

The event is supported by local neighbourhood forums and is organised by Dean Parish Festival committee. For more information, go to www.deankirkstilehall.org.uk