Around 9,000 visitors are expected in Heather this week for the return of the village's famous Scarecrow Festival.

The annual event has been running for 24 years - but this is the first time it will have been staged since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic.

Organisers say there will be over 80 scarecrows on show this year - with local residents making and displaying them in their gardens and frontages.

Many people get creative and some are designed to raise a smile.

Others are topical a popular exhibit this year will be the one showing Prince George covering his ears as a Jubilee Red Arrows flypast goes by.

The festival also likes to have something different - and this year is no exception.

Coalville artist Tomas Villarosa will be creating a huge temporary mural somewhere in the village.

It will be something else to look out for as you walk around the scarecrows.

Thomas said "I will be doing Cello Art at the Park in Heather for the Scarecrow Festival!

"A humble gratitude for the community who has supported me throughout my art venture.

"I am so honoured that they have invited me to be a part of their event because I wanted to continue the knowledge of bringing art to your local community and nature.

"That people should experience the beauty of art not just in galleries but outdoors as well so people of every ages can relate, interact and enjoy. "

The event takes place from 11am tomorrow (Sunday, July 31) until 4pm Sunday, August 7.

Residents, local schools and nurseries have come out in force to make the return a success and have spent many creative weeks preparing for the event.

All funds raised during the festival are donated to groups, organisations and projects in the village, so they are hoping to help as many as possible in 2022.

Once again there will be a popular pop-up tea room at Heather St John's Football Club who have of free parking (LE67 2QJ).

In addition, local groups and charities have agreed to host the David Taylor Memorial Hall (LE67 2RE).

There will be a few surprise additions to the fun during the week as well.

Marina Brooks, one of the festival organising team, told Ashby Nub News: "Many people in the village really missed the scarecrow festival over the last two years, and are looking forward enthusiastically to this year's event.

"We didn't feel as though we could hold it last year as people were still nervous.

"But we hope people will come back this year, we've printed 3,000 guides and work on the basis of three people per guide.

"Over the week, we think around 9,000 visitors will come to see the scarecrows - even we don't know what some of them will be yet.

"Some people will be putting the finishing touches right up until the start of the festival.

"They love the excitement of it and hearing the children talking about the scarecrows.

"But it's 24 years since the first Festival, and it's good to see it back despite having a break in 2020 and 2021.

"It was Di Everett who stared the festival, she passed away some years ago but we have an award in her honour for the most humorous entry."

More details can be found on the festival website HERE on its Facebook page.