CREATURES from the deep joined pirates, a lighthouse keeper and even a merry sailor during a village's fundraising event.

Octopuses, mermaids and a merman helped bring a colourful look to Easington, east Cleveland, in its annual scarecrow festival.

The event raised money for the upkeep of the village hall, with more than 40 creations on display.

It also featured a raffle, book sale and games for children, with Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland MP Simon Clarke adding his support.

Mike Hodgson, committee member, said he was delighted with the response to the festival, which tasked people to solve clues and identify the various scarecrows.

He said: "The committee worked hard and this year we went with the sea theme.

"There were more people taking part this year too.

"We had somewhere in the region of 45 to 50 scarecrows, which was more than last year, and the quality has been higher.

"We were also very fortunate with the raffle because we had a lot of prizes donated and great support from local businesses.

"One or two people have just moved into the village and they had scarecrows out, which was good."

The event also featured a tap dancing display and choir performance, with other scarecrows including an RNLI-themed character and a sailor taking a rest outside the local pub.