THERE were a whole host of strange and unusual characters at Startforth Community Centre last weekend.
Fortunately Elvis, the Queen of Hearts, Dr Nafario and his Minion were entries in an inaugural scarecrow competition.
Organisers had hoped to host the two-day competition in the grounds of the community centre, the former Startforth Morritt Primary School, however, exhibits were moved inside due to the torrential rain.
There were 16 entries and judge, Rachel Tweddle, chief executive of the TCR Hub, had a hard time choosing between them.
Others included a ballet dancing scarecrow, a recycled man, grumpy old man and a robot mum and baby.
However, after deliberating for some time Ms Tweddle chose to award the top individual prize to cartoon favourite Dr Nafario and his Minion, which was carefully constructed by George Thompson and his son Adam.
The goggle-eyed characters also won the people’s vote by all who voted during the weekend.
Second place went to Scared Crow entered by Claire Dunnill and her nieces Darcey and Georgia.
The group category was won by Darcy Buckle, entered by Melanie Edmenson School of Dance, with the Castle Players’ Queen of Hearts taking second prize.
Organisers were delighted with the turnout and plan to make the competition an annual affair and hope more groups and individuals will turn their hand to scarecrow making next year.
