Dressed as nurses, builders, fairies, and well-known television stars, the inventive scarecrows designed and made by families and groups in Farcet, near Peterborough, won the approval of the judging panel at the annual event.

About 36 scarecrows were placed in the trail at the weekend, including those dressed as Neil Armstrong in an astronaut outfit, a funky monkey, biker crow and Mary Poppins.

Starting at the Salvation Army headquarters, in Field Terrace, hundreds of families picked up their trail maps before heading off through the village, admiring the creative artwork of fellow residents along the way.

Awards were given to the most traditional scarecrow, Ray, which was designed and made by the Trotman family.

The best themed scarecrow award went to Gill O'Donnell and Phyllis Whetstone for their outstanding lookalike models of Strictly Come Dancing hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daley.

Gill and Phyllis also won the people's choice award with their creations.

This year, more than £600 was raised by the trail, and will go towards refurbishing the old Salvation Army building, which will cost a few thousand pounds to carry out.

Captain Beverley Robilliard of the Salvation Army in Farcet, who helped to organise the event, said: "The event was very successful, with a fantastic turnout. The weather was gorgeous, and everyone made a real effort coming up with creative ideas of ways to dress their scarecrows. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by many.

"It has been running for four years now, as a way of getting the community together."