Scarecrow trail is a straw draw

They may have kept the birds away, but a trail of scarecrows helped attract more than 1,000 people to the Westgate Parks on Saturday.

In the event’s third year, record numbers were drawn to the picturesque gardens and Toddlers Cove to catch a glimpse of the impressive creations.

Local residents, schools, businesses, charities and youth groups were among more than 50 entrants.

Members of the 14th Canterbury Scout Group – many of them dressed as scarecrows – handed out trail maps to visitors, who were asked to vote for their favourite two.

But there could be only one winner, with Next Generation Dance Studio taking the honours with Darcey Tippy-toes and Rudolf Leap-a-lot.

Second was Lost the Plot, put together with fruit and vegetables by members of the St Dunstan’s Horticultural Society, with St Peter’s Primary School taking third place.

Westgate Parks officer Anna Bell said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part and the Westgate Parks volunteer team who make the event the success it is.

“More than a 1,000 people visited the parks to join in the fun and I’m already inundated with inquiries from people wanting to take part next year.”

FM4950984 The ‘Happy Couple’ are taken for a punt down The Stour during the Scarecrow Trail event

FM4950935 Wally Wader the River Warden keeps an eye on proceedings on Saturday

FM4950950 Daniel Quittenden and his son Rafi, 22 months, meet the St Dunstan’s Horticultural Society creation

FM4950952 Ladybird’s Pre-school scarecrow

FM4951001 Carissa Munteanu, six, is busy making her scarecrow

FM4950965 Pietro, four, Timo, 13 months and mum Barbera Wheeler admire one of the entries Pictures: Chris Davey