Scarecrows took over two north Cumbrian communities with more than 200 families turning out to see villagers’ work.

People from across the area went to see the scarecrow trail in Kirkbampton and Thurstonfield, west of Carlisle, at the weekend.

While there they were able to see the 60 different scarecrows - everything from Minions to Harry Potter, Mary Poppins to the Greatest Showman.

However, there was more to the weekend than just looking at scarecrows.

Local businesses set up stalls to advertise their products, and there was food and a tombola in the village hall.

A potting shed was set up where children could paint plant pots which they then planted a sunflower seed in.

The events raised more than £,1700 for the local church which will be put towards general upkeep.

Clare McCall, 39, from Kirkbampton, was one of the organisers of the scarecrow trail and the winner of the best scarecrow prize.

“It was absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “There was a real buzz of community spirit”.

Her scarecrow was a recreation of the children’s book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’, complete with an obstacle course that children could take part in.

Across the trail, the scarecrows were given a letter that together formed a few jumbled up words that the children then had to solve.

The words - Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally - would be recognised by adults but lost on the children. Children from Kirkbampton primary school had artwork displayed in St Peter’s Church for everybody to enjoy.

Social media boosted the event bringing in people from further afield, as did word of mouth.