IN THE last week if people were walking around Tadley and Baughurst residents may have seen some unusual characters area the area.

For the third year the Tadley and Baughurst scarecrow trail returned with 42 scarecrows being designed and placed in various locations.

This year participants were encouraged to dress up their scarecrows based on characters from the works of Roald Dahl, David Walliams and Julia Donaldson.

People who took part in the weeklong trail could purchase maps to find all the various locations and upon finishing the trail entrants can vote for their favourite scarecrows.

One of the organisers of the event, Amanda Casey said: “The event seems to be getting more and more popular each year.

“With that the standard of the designs is improving and we are seeing some really creative and imaginative scarecrows dotted around the area.

“We have had people come up to me saying the really love the concept and what to get more involved next year, so hopefully we can just keep growing.”

This year’s trail has so far raised more than £650 which will be be donated to help with the maintenance of The Point in Newchurch Road, with money still being collected.

The winner of the favourite scarecrow will be announced at The Point of Saturday.

Amanda added: “This year we are also going to donate one of the scarecrows to a local school or nursery.

“A team of five of us made the Gruffalo and along with the money donation we wanted to give it away as a reminder of this community spirited event.”