Scarecrows peeking over garden gates will give an open gardens event a quirky twist.

The village of Upwey, near to Weymouth, is holding a scarecrow competition at its open gardens event for the first time.

The event takes place across the weekend of Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 2pm to 6pm both days and will raise money for Weymouth Food Bank.

While enjoying 25 beautiful gardens, visitors should keep an eye open for scarecrows peeking over walls and around garden gates and once again there will be a selection of vintage vehicles on display near the river.

A variety of gardens will be available for viewing; from bijou cottage gardens bursting with borders of amazing colours to larger gardens with rolling lawns and an abundance of plants, trees and shrubs, there will be something to please everyone.

Entry to the gardens will be by programme, which will be on sale at various locations around the village and parking will be free and clearly signposted.

Upwey Open Gardens has taken place annually for more than 40 years.

In the past all monies raised have been donated to local causes and community projects. This year the village has chosen to support the Weymouth Food Bank.

Always popular are the afternoon teas in the beautiful gardens at 104 Church Street, and for ease of access to all areas of the village, there will be a courtesy hop on/hop off mini bus between Church Street and the Ridgeway, where ice creams will be available in one of the gardens.