FAMILIES are urged to join a scarecrow trail to mark the start of spring at a nursery based at Airedale Hospital’s site.

The event at Nightingale’s Day Nursery will also help boost its funds.

The nursery is opening its doors to the public with a nature-themed Spring Fair this Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

As well as the scarecrow trail, activities will include face painting, balloon modelling and making chocolate birds’ nests.

Children will be invited to do some planting and there will also be a raffle, bottle stall, and a sale of good quality pre-loved toys and children’s clothes. Refreshments and afternoon teas will be available.

Val Hogg, childcare provision manager, said: “We’re urging all children to bring their families and friends along. It should be great fun and will help us raise extra funds to plough back into resources for the nursery.”

The nursery is used by NHS staff across the district and by people who work for other emergency services, social services, education and local government.

It is owned by Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and has 120 children on its register. It is based in a separate building in the hospital grounds with three fully enclosed outdoor play areas.