MORE than 20 scarecrows have been created in a brand new Teesdale trail to raise funds for NHS charities.
Residents in Holwick have been busy putting together a dizzying array of key worker scarecrows in the small hamlet’s first ever trail, organised by mother-of-two Jennie Lee.
Ms Lee said her children, Jake, 7, and Isla, 4, enjoy making costumes for the annual carnival in Middleton-in-Teesdale and were saddened when it was cancelled this year due to coronavirus.
She added: “We did Middleton’s scarecrow competition and the children asked me if we could make one.
“It was then my partner’s sister, Jane Ayre, who suggested I should organise one for where we live.”
And with help from Jane and her daughter Caitlin Dent, that is exactly what she has done.
The first ever Holwick Scarecrow Trail launched on Wednesday, August 5, and runs until Wednesday, August 19.
Ms Lee said: “The businesses that have supported us with prizes were very keen to help as I had supported them during lockdown.
“It is great to do something in our local community and have some fun, especially in the school holidays.”
The scarecrows, all dressed as key workers, are being displayed along the Holwick Road, and entry forms for the trail are on sale in Middleton-in-Teesdale for £2 at G & J Newsagents, the Blacksmith’s Arms, in Mickleton, and outside Cherry Cottage, in Holwick.
As well as working out what keyworker each scarecrow is, people are also being asked to solve the puzzle of what the scarecrows are saying.
All correct entries will go into a draw with cash prizes for first, second and third places.
Ms Lee added: “All the proceeds of the trail are being donated to NHS Charities Together and it’s a great way to enjoy a glorious walk out and see if you can fathom out the scarecrow trail and its clues, all for a good cause.”
Picture spread in this week’s Mercury