Animals, robots and quirky characters will be taking over Witham for the annual International Puppet Show.

Visitors will meet out of this world faces on Saturday at Newlands Shopping Centre, The Grove Shopping Centre and Witham Library.

See giant walkabout characters, static puppet shows, smaller story-telling puppet shows at Witham Library in Newland Street and take part in a children’s scarecrow puppet-making workshop at The Grove Centre.

All the entertainment is free and runs from 10.30am until 4pm.

Mark Squire, town clerk at Witham Town Council, said: “Witham Town Council is once again delighted to host the annual Witham International Puppet Festival.

“We have a record 24 performers this year, from all over the country and abroad, ranging from storytelling with puppetry, fun walkabout acts and spectacular stilt puppetry.”

For the first time, puppets will be meeting and greeting visitors in the High Street and there will be a puppet festival window display competition for town centre businesses.

There will also be a spot the logo competition for the younger age group. Details can be obtained from the Information Centre in Newland Street.

Visit withaminternationalpuppetfestival.co.uk.