HEAVY rain failed to put a dampener on the Appleton Wiske Scarecrow Festival as the popular event raised more than £2,600.

More than 50 scarecrows appeared in the village, with a variety of themes including the Tour de France, War Horse, Angel of the North and a Scrapheap Challenge automaton.

Five guest scarecrows from previous years returned by popular request.

A competition saw 20 scarecrows have a little brown mouse hidden on them, which were all found by 19 people. The winner, drawn from a hat, was Anna Heward of Appleton Wiske.

Other activities aimed at the younger visitors were scarecrow doll making, face painting, scarecrow ear rings,a play bus and a raffle for a scarecrow cake, won by Daisy Grainge from West Rounton.

A plant stall, open garden and tombola catered for adults, while the refreshment team at the village hall were kept busy serving cream teas and home made cakes.

Organisers Gill and Brian Rawling thanked visitors for attending and everyone in the village who worked to make the event such a success.

Money raised will go towards the provision of a TrimTrail at Appleton Wiske Primary School.