WADDINGTON'S famous scarecrows need a hand to keep alive the annual festival that has helped put it on the map.

The Ribble Valley village hosts an yearly carnival with a scarecrow festival, duck race, flower festival and street events each May, drawing visitors from across Lancashire.

The event began 10 years ago as a May Queen contest but expanded four years ago during the foot and mouth outbreak to include other events in the village.

The traditional scarecrows put out at the start of the summer could not be put on farmland because of the crisis - so people displayed them in the village instead and the idea stuck.

Now scores of homes make their own scarecrows and put them on display around the town.

Members of St Helen's Church committee have run the event since its inception but new volunteers are desperately needed to help cope with its success.

Committee member Helen Collie, of Farmhouse Fair, Clitheroe, said: "The event always takes place on the first Bank Holiday in May. Every household makes a scarecrow, which are all displayed in gardens or on walls and railings.

"Visitors come from all over Lancashire to see the scarecrows, which make a really spectacular sight.

"The village is beautiful itself and the festival makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. It draws everyone together and generates a great atmosphere.

"In addition to the scarecrows, we have a duck race on the brook running through the village.

"Last year, there were 1,200 plastic ducks floating along the stream. Believe it or not, different sized plastic ducks are available for large rivers and small streams. These ducks were specially-bought," she said.

A three-day flower festival is also traditionally held at St Helen's Church.

Some residents even wear fancy dress and run from street to street, serving people drinks from trays. A car boot sale has also been held.

Proceeds go towards church funds but Mrs Collie emphasised the committee wanted to broaden participation in the carnival, with community groups, clubs and societies.

"Everyone is welcome to help, whether they live in Waddington or elsewhere. There are loads of jobs to be done for this year's carnival, including organising publicity and tickets, administrative work, helping with costumes, and collecting litter."

Fellow committee member, Kathleen Warburton, of Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford, also encouraged others to volunteer their services.

"It's become rather a huge event encompassing all the village," she said.

A meeting takes place on Thursday at St Helen's Church, in Waddington, at 7.30pm. Details are available from Mrs Collie on 01200 444135.