Gallery: Mysterious scarecrow sightings puzzle farmers

A GROWING number of mysterious scarecrow-sightings have been reported in a quiet Essex village. The Clavering scarecrows, which are usually found standing in farmers fields, appear to have deserted their usual habitat and are now popping up around the vi

A GROWING number of mysterious scarecrow-sightings have been reported in a quiet Essex village.

The Clavering scarecrows, which are usually found standing in farmers' fields, appear to have deserted their usual habitat and are now popping up around the village.

A farmer, who did not wish to be named, said: "I have no idea why they have left the fields and can now be seen standing on the side of roads, in trees or next to people's houses - I think it may have something to do with global warming."

Stranger still is why the scarecrows have ditched their usual Worzel Gummidge look and are now imitating celebrities and famous characters.

"It's certainly got me stumped," said the farmer. "Just the other morning I saw scarecrows that looked like Darth Vader, Margaret Thatcher, the Village People and The Incredibles.

"It's a world gone mad! What's wrong with a straw hat and a few old clothes - if you ask me the scarecrows have been given ideas above their station. I hope the parish council act quickly to resolve this matter."

An alternative theory for the recent increase in scarecrow sightings is the Clavering Village Fete which will be held on Bank Holiday Monday 25.

One of the fete's organisers, Victoria Cook, said: "We will be holding a scarecrow competition and the person who builds the best scarecrow will be given the honour of opening the fete.

"We have had some fantastic entries so far and it will be very difficult for the judges to find a winner."

In the meantime people are being asked not to approach the scarecrows until the mystery has been resolved.