Last updated at 16:20, Monday, 12 July 2010

EDWARD Scissorhands standing outside a hair salon, Top Gear’s Stig sitting in a sportscar and Spider-Man hanging from a house – it could only be the South Copeland Scarecrow Festival.

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An eclectic collection of 51 straw-stuffed creations went on display over the weekend in homes and businesses across Millom, Haverigg, Kirksanton, Whitbeck, Ravenglass, the Whicham Valley and Ladyhall.

There was even a mountain rescuer scarecrow on top of Black Combe, making the festival the highest and widest of its type in Britain.

Families followed the scarecrow trail, remarking on the skill of the design and chuckling at some of the more bizarre characters.

Wendy Bracegirdle, chairwoman of South Copeland Tourism Group, and a festival organiser, said: “It’s exciting to see original ideas people have had – there’s always something fresh to see.

“I like the way some of the businesses in town do one that’s very appropriate to the business – like Marjorie’s Hair Fashions has done Edward Scissorhands and on the railway platform they’ve got a porter with parcels.

“People always come up with original ideas each year and put an enormous amount of effort into them and it’s extraordinary how much pride they take in them and go to a lot of trouble.

“We’ve tried to push this year to make sure the wider area of south Copeland is really thoroughly involved.We’ve particularly made a big effort with that up to Bootle.

“Looking ahead to next year, we’ve decided we’re going to do more workshops. Often people say they would welcome learning a bit more about the mechanics of making a scarecrow.

“Hopefully, that could encourage even more people to get involved.

“This year is the first time we’ve called it ‘the highest and widest’ and next year we will be pushing that marketing tool even further.”

June Paterson, owner of June’s Floral Design in Wellington Street, Millom, was aiming to retain her title in the business category she won last year. This year she had a woman enjoying the great British barbecue summer – holding an umbrella over her head.

Mrs Paterson said: “She’s singing in the rain! We do it every year. It took a lot of straw. It’s nice to take part.

“Last year we did Susan Boyle and won the business category so we’re out to defend the title this year!”

The winners, as judged by Millom mayor, Councillor Doug Wilson, and mayoress, Felicity Wilson, were:

Best business and overall winner: Edward Scissorhands by Marjorie’s Hair Fashions, Millom.

Best school and community group: A man with his head shoved in a bin (the result of a domestic argument) – by St George’s Residential Home, Millom.

Best private house: Canoeists and fishermen by Trudy Carter-Fox, Holborn Hill.

First published at 13:03, Monday, 12 July 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk