ST HELENS residents have been getting into the Halloween spirit early this year, with scarecrows beginning to pop up in preparation for this years Scarecrow Festival.

Festival creators Mandy Fieldhouse, Louise Johnston and Bev Neilson decided to continue the event after more than 800 scarecrows were erected on the streets of St Helens last year, ranging from takes on the Royle Family, Boris Johnson, Ant & Dec, Willowbrook Hospice carers and many more.

St Helens Star: The event takes place over October half-term but entrants are encouraged to get them up early and registeredThe event takes place over October half-term but entrants are encouraged to get them up early and registered

Initiated as a unique way to raise funds for Willowbrook Hospice during the pandemic, the festival grew from a small idea in Eccleston into a borough-wide competition, raising more than £24,000 for the local charity.

Once again raising funds for Willowbrook, as well as the Standing Tall Foundation this year, mum-of-two Mandy has been encouraging residents to get involved for a chance to win the £500 top prize, again judged by Johnny Vegas.

St Helens Star: An interesting use of household props on Beacon Road An interesting use of household props on Beacon Road

Over the past few days, it seems the community has followed through on her call-to-arms with numerous creations being erected across the borough.

Imaginations have already been running wild, with ghoulish interpretations of villains, superheroes and community heroes already gunning for the top prize.

St Helens Star: Batman on Old LaneBatman on Old Lane

St Helens Star: Community heroes depicted via this Arriva bus driverCommunity heroes depicted via this Arriva bus driver

The festival will run from Friday, October 22 - Monday, November 1 but residents are encouraged to get their scarecrows up early and registered before the 21st to be added to the "trail map", which will highlight the whereabouts of all the scarecrows in the region.

The creations then need to be uploaded by the 25th to be judged for the top prizes of £500, £250 and £100.

St Helens Star: An interesting use of garden resources to make this creationAn interesting use of garden resources to make this creation

Mandy said: "It never ceases to amaze us how generous people and businesses have been, especially after these last couple of years. Thank you to every person who has donated and supported the events so far."

Residents can enter into the festival with a £5 donation via the facebook group St Helens Scarecrow Festival, or by emailing ecclestonscarecrow@outlook.com.

St Helens Star: "Spa Day Scarecrow" - the first design up Spa Day Scarecrow on Clarkes Crescent"Spa Day Scarecrow" - the first design up Spa Day Scarecrow on Clarkes Crescent