This  year’s Wilmslow Scarecrow Festival has been declared the biggest and best yet by organisers.

More scarecrows than ever have appeared in shop windows, outside homes and businesses and on rooftops for the fourth festival.

Organisers from the Rotary Club of Wilmslow Dean reported 37 new entries this year and a total of 128 around the town.

Rotarians were delighted with the way residents have got involved in the event which runs until Sunday, July 14.

The lively scarecrow parade featured  12ft Rotary club scarecrows Robin and Rosie marching through the town with the Batala Drumming Band from Lancaster and scarecrows from Cheshire Young Farmers.

Geoff Shelmerdine, from the rotary club, said: “The parade was a massive success which was really helped by the glorious weather.  We have received fantastic support from businesses, schools and other organisations.

“The Rotary club appreciates this overwhelming support and money will include support for The Oakenclough Children’s Centre and Arthritis Research UK in Wilmslow and Macclesfield.”

The most popular scarecrows will be on display at Sunday’s Wilmslow Show.

Scarecrow Hunt Competition forms are available from Candy and Cards, on Water Lane, and Wheeldon Opticians, on Hawthorn Lane.

SCARECROW thieves struck twice during the festival.

Two five-foot likenesses of rag dolls Rosie and Jim were stolen from Heddys Restaurant on Water Lane between 1.15am and 10am on Saturday, June 29.

This follows a theft between 8pm on Friday, June 28, and 6am on Saturday, June 29, of owl and the pussy cat scarecrows, sat in a cardboard boat, from Wilmslow Methodist Pre-school on Kings Close.

They had been made by three and four year olds at the school.

If you have any information about the thefts call police on 101.