A make-your-own scarecrow challenge proved to be a welcome distraction from the trials and tribulations of the past year.

There were more than 60 entries for the Halling Sapphires Women's Institute competition which saw a vast array of unique creations.

Entrants had two weeks to make their scarecrows before they were photographed and posted on the Simply Halling Facebook page for voting. More than 2,300 votes were cast.

Caroline Kirkpatrick, a member of the Halling Sapphires WI, said: "A member of the group shared an article of a scarecrow competition from another area and I just thought it looked like a really lovely idea, especially in current times when we can't do as much as we usually would.

"It was free to enter, and something that the village could run with to inject some fun into a miserable year.

"Initially, I thought it would just be the kids that entered, but we had loads of adult entries too, which made it even better as it was totally inclusive.

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"There were so many people out and about despite the weather which was fantastic to see.

"We've had really great feedback from everyone and it really was loads of fun and people have said they are already planning for next year."

The winning scarecrow belonged to Liz Body, for her Wizard of Oz themed creation, with second place going to Dave McKellar and his son for their take on a hedgehog scarecrow.

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