A DATE has been set for this year's Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival.

The popular event, now much copied, had to be cancelled last year due to foot and mouth, but is all set to bounce back from August 10 to August 18.

Locals who don't think they can make a scarecrow are invited to a coffee evening and workshop in the village hall on June 13 at 8pm. This will include an exhibition of photographs and an explanation of activities and there will also be advice for any newcomers on how to make a scarecrow.

The hall committee has also asked for help from residents living in Starbotton, Conistone and Kilnsey, who also share activities at some or all of Kettlewell's church, school and village hall, the three beneficiaries of the festival.

Contributions such as baking, serving refreshments, assisting with car parking or making scarecrows to fill gaps on the trail or at significant locations would all be welcome.

At a recent meeting of the Kettlewell Village Hall Committee, chairman Geoffrey Queen reported what an unusual year it had been as a result of the foot and mouth crisis.

He said: "The cancellation of the scarecrow festival led to a significant reduction in revenue which, coupled with heavy expenditure on new windows, produced a different set of accounts compared with the previous year."

None the less, the chairman added that the financial position was still healthy.

He thanked all those who had helped with the numerous events and activities, which had been held in the hall. A special mention was given to secretary Rita Blowers and treasurer Peter Nightingale. Tribute was also paid to Raymond Harker, who was standing down from the committee after many years of service in every role from chairman to guardian of the front lawns.