AN army of scruffs will take over Bromyard this summer as plans are laid for the town's first ever Scarecrow Festival.

The three-day event is being held from Friday to Sunday, June 9-11, to coincide with the launch of the 2006 Community Fest.

Around 50 scarecrows will be paraded through the town on the Friday, an event followed by a barbecue at St Peter's Church.

On the Saturday and Sunday, the scarecrows will be placed in various locations around the town and a clues sheet produced to lead people to them.

They will then have to guess popular songs using clues from each scarecrow's appearance.

Town clerk Mike Cresswell got the idea after visiting a similar event in Devizes.

"Although it was only a small place, the event was attracting 5,000 people a day," he said.

"It will be unique for this area as I'm not aware there's anything else around quite like this."

Mr Cresswell said he hoped to involve as many parts of the community as possible in the event.

"The more people we can get involved in this project the better," he said. "If anyone has ideas or wants to help, please get in touch."

Mr Cresswell is seeking sponsorship from local companies and will organise a community group to make the scarecrows nearer to the event.

Bromyard in Bloom will launch their 2006 project during the festival, and everyone will be welcome to help paint a community mural that will then be hung in the town.

Mr Cresswell can be contacted on 01885 482825.