SIMISTER residents are gearing up to celebrate an extra special anniversary.

On the weekend nearest St George's Day, which falls today, villagers hold their own festival as their church is named after St George.

The popular event is set to have even more razzamatazz than usual as it is the centenary of the church, which was founded as a Chapel-of-Ease in 1915- a Chapel-of-Ease being a church which is built for the convenience of people who cannot access the main church within the parish, St Margaret's Church.

Joan Knott, who is one of those organising Saturday's festivities, said: "It is wonderful that it is the centenary year and we are proud to be keeping the village spirit alive in the form of this festival.

"We raised more than £1,000 for the church's rood repair fund last year and we are hoping that people will be even more generous this year because it is this special anniversary."

Festivities will get underway at 11am when musicians from Besses Boys' Band will lead a parade from the church along Simister Lane towards Heywood Road.

Mrs Knott and fellow organiser Carol Knaggs will also be at the front carrying the village banner, followed by children, farmers and horse riders.

At the motorway bridge, the procession will turn round and head back to the church.

Lady Wilton Hall will be opened at noon and there will be a wide range of stalls, refreshments, games and competitions within the hall and the church grounds, as well as a performance from the band, which recently began rehearsing at the hall.

One of the highlights of the afternoon will be the judging of the village scarecrow competition, whose theme this year is cartoon characters, superheroes and fairytale characters.

Mrs Knott added: "A lot of organisation has gone into Saturday and we are all looking forward to it.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather and hope as many people as possible come out to support the event.

"It tends to be popular, with villagers coming out to enjoy a cup of coffee and chat to their neighbours."