Local pupils' on route to Allianz Scarecrow Street!

Pupils from Ballymoney Model IPS were proud as punch last week as they put together the final touches of their scarecrow entering into the Allianz Scarecrow Street competition. The competition, which is co-ordinated by the Integrated Education Fund, has created great excitement in schools across Northern Ireland.

After weeks of hard work and with the help of their teachers and classroom assistants the pupils waved goodbye, for now, to their scarecrow as it makes it way to Garden Show Ireland. Ballymoney Model IPS is hoping people from Ballymoney will come along to Garden Show Ireland which takes place this weekend 21-23rd May

Scarecrow Street, a very special area of the show sponsored by Allianz, will feature scarecrows designed and made by children from integrated primary schools throughout Northern Ireland. Each school will be hoping that their scarecrows will catch the eye of the judges and scoop an award. There will be a new category this year for the ‘best celebrity look-alike’, so lots of interesting characters are expected!

Sharon Mc Taggart from Allianz said: "It is brilliant to see such enthusiasm for the Allianz Scarecrow Street Competition. Designing anything as a team is a challenge and we have been overwhelmed by the talent, creativity and dynamism shown by all the children this year. We're all looking forward to seeing the very exciting and unusual line up of scarecrows on display at this year’s Garden Festival”.

Allianz Scarecrow Street will be opened to the public during Garden Show Ireland, which takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the Walled Gardens at Hillsborough Castle, 21-23 May and is open from 10am-6pm each day. Whether you want to find inspiration for features in your garden, need advice, want to buy plants, flowers or garden equipment, learn to grow vegetables and fruit, or just relax and enjoy a wonderful day out, the Garden Festival has it all!

Parking is free and a special shuttle service is provided to and from the dedicated car parks.

Tickets can be booked online at: www.gardenshowireland.com .