Kelbrook villagers showed off their artistic talents to the full to make the annual two-day scarecrow trail a resounding success.
Around 30 effigies depicting people in a variety of working poses were created by residents – this year’s chosen theme – and put on display outside their homes, attracting a good deal of interest from both residents and visitors alike.
And despite a mixed bag of weather, the event did well enough to raise £450 for funds to help with the continuing improvement works at Kelbrook Village Hall.
Spokesman for the organisers Mary Miller said the standard of scarecrows on display had been higher than ever.
“We had an excellent weekend even though the weather on the Saturday was atrocious,” said Mary.
“But we made up for it on Sunday, and overall it was very successful. We are very pleased with the result.”
The winning display was one of a miner created by Fin and Lindsey Robinson.
The runner up was a model of a jockey and groom and the third placed scarecrow was a circus clown.
Results were decided by people visiting the trail being invited to take part in a quiz matching scarecrows to clues and then voting for their favourites.
“The standard of the scarecrows was higher than ever before and I would like to thank all those who took the time to make theirs.
“Without them, there would not be an event.”
And the organisers have not wasted any time in getting things under way for the 2014 trail – their chosen theme is hobbies, so villagers will have plenty of time to plan their creations.