VILLAGERS throughout Urchfont are busy putting the finishing touches to their scarecrows that will be viewed by thousands of people between April 30 and May 2.

Fittingly this year's scarecrow trail, which is billed as the oldest in Wiltshire, will have its theme as A World Of Firsts.

Families will take inspiration from world events such as the first man on the moon and the first person to break the four minute mile as they prepare their creations.

The trail starts at the village pond and people can buy trail programmes for £3.50 each so they can take part in a contest to name all of the crows which takes place between 9.30am and 6pm each day.

Scarecrow trail committee member Frances Wood said: "There will be 57 scarecrows representing people who were firsts in a variety of fields. It may be an explorer, inventor, scientist, discoverer, ground-breaking pioneer, surgeon, politician or record-breaking sports-person."

Money raised from the weekend will go to help village causes and charities such as Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Bobby Van Trust.

As well as the trail there will be a cake and tea tent each day and a plant sale organised by Urchfont Gardening Club on the Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.