VILLAGERS are looking forward to this year's mammoth Belbroughton scarecrow weekend, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

The two-day event, which has put the close-knit community on the map, is packed full of displays and demonstrations, as well as the usual scarecrows who will make an appearance around the village.

Last year's bonanza raised a record-breaking £44,000, which was divided between Belbroughton First School, the village church, the recreation centre and other community groups.

Now organisers have got their fingers crossed for good weather to ensure this year is another big success.

Spokesman Gordon Jones said: "If the weather is kind to us, we may be able to do even better than last year."

The weekend, taking place on September 25 and 26, will include puppet theatres, morris dancing and the Worcester City Brass Band.

Each year the villagers try to outdo the homemade scarecrows from the year before, with 2003's winner being an imaginative take on the film Calendar Girls.

This year there will be a tasty selection of food and refreshments from a traditional pig roast to a candyfloss truck.

An auction, including three pieces of linoleum cut artwork which depict a scarecrow in front of a full moon, kindly donated by Norton district councillor Nick Psirides (Ind), will help raise cash.

The scarecrow fun kicks off at 12pm each day. Car parking in the village will cost £2.