Scarecrows pop up around North Lancing

Around 50 scarecrows have sprung up around North Lancing bringing smiles to pupils returning to school after the summer holidays.
Colin and Pauline Burton in Manor RoadColin and Pauline Burton in Manor Road
Colin and Pauline Burton in Manor Road

The scarecrow festival was the brainchild of Maureen Ross, a committee member of the North Lancing Community Association.

She said: “I know that all over the country there are scarecrow festivals.

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“I didn’t want it to be a competition, once it is competitive it might put people off.

Colin and Pauline Burton in Manor RoadColin and Pauline Burton in Manor Road
Colin and Pauline Burton in Manor Road

"I wanted it in place before the children go back to school. I thought it would be a lovely idea.”

Notices were put up and, as Saturday came around, dozens of scarecrows started springing up around the village.

Mrs Ross said: “We started on Saturday and all of a sudden 50 popped up all over the place.

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“All weekend people were walking up Mill Road and Manor Road. Kids were giggling. Mums and dads were taking the kids to take photos, it’s been lovely.

Maureen Ross with her scarecrowsMaureen Ross with her scarecrows
Maureen Ross with her scarecrows

“The weather has been perfect, it’s made a big difference.”

A stormtrooper, Spiderman, Dennis the Menace and Bill and Ben are among the characters recreated in straw by creative residents.

There is even a Boris Johnson scarecrow with a convincing mop of blonde hair.

Mrs Ross has created a pair of Strictly Come Dancing contestants dressed up in their best evening wear, while resident Ros Lamper’s creation in Manor Road appears to have had one too many bottles of wine.

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Local groups have banded together to design a scarecrow, including Keep Lancing Lovely.

Mrs Ross said: “It’s a bit of nice entertainment for people. There’s no competition, no judges, I think quite honestly everyone deserves a medal for taking the trouble to do it.”