BISHOP Middleham came alive with an assortment of wonderful creations as the village held its ninth annual scarecrow festival.

A record entry of 47 scarecrows made their appearance around the village as residents decked their lawns with their handmade designs which were all based around this year’s them: outdoor activities.

Maggie Hailes, who entered for the first time last year, was crowned winner for her Scottish scarecrow after she sat him on her lawn fishing along with the Loch Ness monster.

Mrs Hailes, of Broadoaks, said: “It’s great to win but I have been round to see the others and there are some really good ones so it’s a nice surprise.

“It’s a jolly good way of getting to know people in the village as it brings people together.”

Mrs Hailes’ scarecrow was closely followed by a camping scarecrow, who came second, and a skiing scarecrow, who came third.

Competition organiser, Audrey Woods, originally posted leaflets through residents’ doors in May and said she was delighted with the high quality of entries.

“It’s been the biggest yet and I think they are all wonderful.”