Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill will be judging a Suffolk town’s fifth annual scarecrow hunt.

The Halesworth Scarecrow Hunt begins on Saturday, October 25, and will run until the following Saturday, although details of the competition are being kept under wraps to give viewers the chance for some real surprises.

Karen Prime, proprietor of Edwards Restaurant, who is organising the week-long event said: “It may be a little offensive if you have no sense of humour, but the kids will love it, and that is what is most important.

“I will not apologise now, during or after.”

There were some interesting reactions last year to the gory detail of a scarecrow Sweeney Todd inside the town’s barber and a Mrs Lovett in a blood-soaked pie shop outside a restaurant, so expect the unexpected.

More than 70 scarecrows made by local people and businesses will be in the town’s Thoroughfare and Market Place.

Everyone can take part in a treasure hunt where selected shops have letters hidden in their windows that make up seasonal words.

Those that solve the puzzle are entered into a prize draw with the winner given the opportunity to switch on the town’s Christmas lights on Saturday, November 29.

Entry forms cost £1 and are available from Edwards Restaurant or the town library, both in the Thoroughfare.

On Saturday, October 25, there will be a tombola stall and during the first Saturday and Sunday there will be the final events of the Halesworth Arts Festival.

Mr Hill will be awarding the annual cup alongside Dame Tamsyn Imison, chair of Halesworth in Bloom.

All money raised is going to the Halesworth Christmas lights.

Are you organising a fund-raising event in your town or village? Email bbj.news@archant.co.uk or write to Beccles and Bungay Journal, 20 Blyburgate, Beccles NR34 9TB