THIS year’s Scarecrow Trail in Rowlands Castle raised more than £2,200 for St John’s School in the village.

Organised by the school PTA, there were 36 entries, with older classics like TinTin, Inspector Gadget and Danger Mouse along with newer favourites such as Teen Titans, Bluey and Hey Duggee.

Almost 350 trail maps were sold, helping raise the £2,216.57 total, and participants commented how hard it was choosing their favourite.

PTA chairman Matt Hancock said: “We were again very fortunate to have support from community partners to help make it as successful as it was, so a huge shout out to them.

“And new this year, there was a prize-giving and social evening at The Robin Hood.

“There was a great turn-out with the pub full to congratulate the winners and villagers got to meet people behind some of the scarecrow creations.”

There were three categories, and in the People’s Choice sponsored by Rowlands Castle Pharmacy, first prize went to Wallace and Gromit by the Lumley family; second prize was The Wombles by Rowlands Castle WI, and in third place was Angry Birds by the Barnes family

In the Judge’s Pick category sponsored by Halls Garage, first prize was awarded to Peter Rabbit by the Brampton family, second place was taken by Wallace and Gromit by the Lumley family, and in third place was Scooby Doo by the Brown family.

And finally, in the Best Eco Scarecrow class sponsored St John’s Church, first place was awarded to Stick Man by the Atkinson family, in second place was Bill and Ben by the Dombey family, and third was Mr Tumble by the Grigg family.

The winners received a perpetual trophy, £100 cash prize plus the top three also received a small memento.

There was also a trail competition sponsored by Smart Energy Solar and several entries guessed all the scarecrow characters correctly, so a random draw was held and the winner of the £100 prize was Rosemary Brown.

For competition answers, scarecrow photos and a lost of the sponsors, visit https://www.pta-events.com