A SCARECROW trail with a theme of fictional characters from children’s books has raised more than £500 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A bumper crop of 18 entries in this year’s Holwick Scarecrow Trail saw a huge number of people take part in the trail, held over a fortnight last month. Organiser Jennie Lee said: “It’s a massive thank you to everyone who took part, either by doing the trail, sending a donation or making the scarecrows themselves.
“We raised a staggering £550 for GNAAS.”
Award-winning children’s author Anne Fine had the difficult job of picking a winner from the 18 scarecrows. First place and a hamper from Samuel James Deli as awarded to Karen Scott for her depiction of Postman Pat, complete with his post van and cat. Lisa Lowles’ Treasure Island scarecrow bagged second place and a takeaway fish and chips for two from the Fox and Hounds, in Cotherstone. Wurzel Gummage, made by Ray Thompson, was third with a free MOT from Mickleton Service Station.
Two other scarecrows – Little Red Riding Hood and Room on the Broom – were highly commended and the families who created them were presented with signed books by Ms Fine. Ms Lee added: “I just want to say a huge thank you to local businesses as well who have supported the trail, either by donating prizes or selling a good number of trail sheets. Lastly to Jane Ayre for helping me organise the trail again.”
As well as choosing the winning scarecrows Ms Fine also picked out three winners who completed the trail trails correctly. First prize was awarded to Adam and Noah, who won a Sunday dinner for two at the Farmhouse Kitchen. Second prize, a £10 voucher for J Raine and Son, was won by Phyliss Ayre. Third prize, a sweet box donated by Sweet Tooth, was won by Hannah Jones.
