Pin the trail of a donkey

THERE’S no need to be dumbstruck in Delph this month as dozens of donkey scarecrows spring up around the village.

Locals have been busy stuffing the statues that will appear in pubs, shop windows and at landmarks across the village from this weekend.

Taking the name from the famous Donkey steam train line, the masked models act as a trail of discovery to raise money for the volunteer-led village library.

Brochures map out a route around Delph for walkers, who must do their best to spot the 22 scarecrows along the way.

Among those putting the finishing touches to their masterpieces were staff at Country Classics at Pingle Mill, in Denshaw Road.

Prizes for those that manage to spot all the scarecrows include a voucher for a meal at the Old Bell and tickets for a play by the Saddleworth Players.

Organiser Sue Lund said: “It’s a really unique event, it started in 2007 and has taken off since then. It’s a great way of raising money and people explore areas where they may not usually venture.”

This year’s trail is part of the Saddleworth Festival of the Arts, and brochures costing just £1.50 are on sale at Delph post office and library and Saddleworth Museum.

The trail will be in place until June 19.