RESIDENTS in Hartford have taken it upon themselves to deliver the first Scarecrow trail and competition in the area.

Initially Hartford Parish Council were happy to assist but they were unsure if there was enough time to organise a proper competition.

However, due to the massive response, the competition is going to run this year.

Paula Manley, resident and event organiser, said: “Two weeks ago, I got home from work and I asked on Hartford Life, the Facebook community group, about whether people would like a scarecrow festival and trail.

“The response was huge, with support from lots of different people from the Hartford community. We did an online vote and decided on an open theme this year.

“The Parish Council responded positively and have offered their assistance but it is still a residents competition.

“Judging will be at the Grange Park in Hartford at the Party in the Park event on July 8.

“I now have 15 confirmed scarecrows on the trail list and the list is being printed for the Hartford NSPCC Open gardens event on Saturday, where people can purchase it for a donation to the NSPCC.

“Just before 8th July, the list will be made available for free download and people can tick off the scarecrows they find and mark them on a map.

“So far we have a Spiderman, Donald Trump, a cheerleader, a Power Ranger, a cricket player and lots of others. “

“It has really caught the imaginations of locals, and there's a real community spirit with people sharing materials to build their scarecrows.”

There is still time to build your own scarecrow for the competition before July, 8.