ST HELENS folk are being encouraged to make their own scarecrows and take part in special competition, which will be held at this month's Farmers Market at the St Mary's Outdoor Market, on Friday, September 29.

The maker of the winning scarecrow will win £50 worth of vouchers donated by St Helens Council to spend in the indoor market.

To enter you must follow these guidelines:

Scarecrows must be made from natural, scrap or recycled materials, or fruit and vegetables.

The scarecrow can be any size or shape.

Competitors of all age groups are welcome to enter.

Entries must be taken to the outdoor market (opposite the World of Glass on Chalon Way East) between 8.30am and 1pm on September 29.

Judging will take place at 2.45pm.

Entries must be removed from the site by 4pm.

As well as the scarecrow competition there will be other attractions on the day including corn dolly making, free gingerbread animals for children and a free prize draw of £50 worth of vouchers to spend at any of the Farmers Market stalls.

The Farmers Market forms part of the Local Food for Local People initiative, co-ordinated by Groundwork St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and ADAS and supported by the National Farmers' Union, St Helens Council, the Town Centre Partnership and the European Union.