Amazingly imaginative and colourful scarecrows of all shapes and sizes were on display during a unique, fun village event.

Ford End held its Scarecrow Festival, on Sunday, and the community spirit was alive and kicking.

Around 400 adults and children followed the scarecrow trail to see the resident’s creation, and visited the open gardens, stopping for a cuppa and slice of cake in the churchyard.

Worzel Gummidge – aka resident Jonny Lang – could be found wandering round the village keeping everyone entertained with his antics. He was joined by Aunt Sally who served everyone drinks and cake.

The overall winners of the scarecrow competition, judged by resident Tom Shrager, were the Cliffe family with their two builder scarecrows.

Organiser Sandra Brown said: “We had a fantastic day – many people said what a fun, enjoyable experience it was.

“There were 13 open gardens and in total 36 households made a scarecrow or two, some made even more, I counted over 70 amazingly imaginative and colourful scarecrows.

“The two policemen and community speedwatch scarecrows did a fantastic job of slowing down the traffic through the village, as did the magnificent horse and rider jumping over a hedge!”

She added: “This event was achieved by a huge number of the residents pulling together and gardening like mad for the past few months, making scarecrows, making cakes and scones, and turning out on the day in support – there was a really nice feel-good factor to the day.”

Over £1,400 was made on the day which will go towards future work to be carried out at Ford End Village Hall.

Plans are now underway for the next village event... a bar and barbecue just outside of Ford End, next to the Tour de France route.