Here are the creative scarecrows that took over villages near Banbury

Creative scarecrows took over the villages of Steeple Aston and Middle Aston on Saturday (August 29).

The scarecrow competition replaced what should have been the 129th Annual Flower Show which is one of the largest traditional flower shows in Oxfordshire, normally attracting over 800 exhibits.

There were 39 entries throughout the villages. Two independent judges spent nearly three hours trying to decide on the best three then retired for another hour or so before managing to come up with a first with a cash prize of £100, second with a prize of £50 and third - £25.

The judges said that the quality and imagination of all the entries were amazing.

The winners were Claire Hall with her interpretation of an NHS nurse. Second was a scary witch by John and Janet Coley and third a purveyor of toilet rolls and other essentials created by Andy and Jane Cadd.

To accompany the trail of scarecrows around the two villages were some stalls at street-side raising funds for local charities such as Banbury Food Bank, Katherine House Hospice and our local church.

The scarecrows were to be found hanging over walls, leaning against gates and even climbing the church tower and stayed in place over the holiday weekend.