THE PLOT has thickened in Rowlands Castle as a host of literary characters have taken over the East Hampshire village.

The St John’s Primary School PTA has finalised its preparations for this year’s Scarecrow Trail with the event opening just in time for the October half term holiday.

This year’s theme is Book and Comic characters with the event running from this Saturday, October 21, to 5pm on the 29th.

Proceeds will go to the school’s charity with £4 maps available from this Friday at Rowlands Castle Home Hardware, The Bumblebee Café or online.

There will be a trail competition with £100 prize for the entry with the most correct answers. If there are multiple entries with the most correct answers then the winner will be selected at random by a draw.

People are encouraged to vote for their favourite scarecrow for ‘People’s Choice’ and there will be the ‘Best Eco Scarecrow’ and the Judge’s Pick. All winners receive a trophy and £100 each.

The event could not be possible without generous support from Hall's Garage, Rowlands Castle Pharmacy, Rowlands Castle Home Hardware, Style Studio, The Bumblebee Cafe, Physio-logical, Property Puzzler and The Castle Inn.

To purchase maps and for more information visit www.pta-events.com/stjohnsrowlandscastle