FOOTBALL and swimming, angling and rambling are just some of the pastimes that residents of a County Durham village clearly enjoy.

Hobbies were the theme for this year's summer scarecrow competition in Cotherstone, Teesdale, and villagers have created 41 colourful characters to demonstrate what they enjoy.

Alongside the sporty scarecrows are some funnier folk– hinting that some Dale residents might enjoy a spot of nude sunbathing, wine drinking and pole-dancing– and traditionalists including a knitter, flower arranger and beekeeper.

The scarecrow trail has been a popular summer event for about 20 years and runs over the two weeks around Cotherstone fun weekend, which takes place today, Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend will include a fun run tonight.

On Saturday there will be a fancy dress procession at 12.55pm, led by Rhythm Train and Carnival Queen Alice Whiting and attendants Isabella Butler and Summer Vasey, from the Fox and Hounds pub to East Green.

There will be stalls, entertainment and food in the Village Hall, sports and a barbecue in the play park, a duck race and family quiz.

And on Sunday there will be football and a fun dog show.