AN ARRAY of weird and wonderful characters took to the streets of a North Yorkshire village for its annual scarecrow festival.

Romanby WI Scarecrow Festival saw characters from children’s television, film, literature and other imaginative creations on display in the village near Northallerton at the weekend.

The scarecrows on show included Minions, Dr Who, the BFG and dozens of other colourful characters created by residents, businesses, schools, churches and community groups in and around the village.

The hall was open over the weekend for cakes and refreshments, while craft workshops for children took place at Romanby Pre-School and St James’ Church. There was also an exhibition by Mowbray Quilters at Romanby Methodist Church and hair braiding and face-painting for children at The Hair Lounge.

The event raised funds for the refurbishment of Romanby WI Hall, a distinctive, green wooden building constructed in 1939 which is in need of restoration. Donations for other charities were also collected throughout the village. The festival was supported with funding from Broadacres Housing Association’s Community Development Fund.