Scarecrows will be popping up all over Long Ditton in July as part of a fundraiser for two local schools.

The Friends of Long Ditton Infants and Long Ditton St Mary’s Junior School is staging a scarecrow trail in and around the village with prizes to be won for the top three creations.

It’s £5 to enter and there are three categories:  The Most Original, Best Dressed and Most Outrageous scarecrow. You can use whatever materials you like to make your scarecrow which needs to be up in front of your home by Wednesday, July 15. Judging will take place the day after.

“We thought as the yarn bombing last year and the rainbow trail during lockdown brought so much joy and happiness to the local community, we would spread some joy over the summer holidays,” said Friends group member and one of the trail organisers Desiree Harris.

“Most people will be having a staycation this year and those that aren’t able to travel can continue their walks around the community with something fun to look at.

“I guess I wanted to see just how creative the children and parents of our wonderful community could be. Can you just imagine 100+ scarecrows around the village?”

Scarecrows will be given a badge with a link to a fundraising page, so people who have enjoyed the trail can donate to the fundraiser too.

“We are also hoping to get the photos of the scarecrows up in the window of Humphrey & Brand in Claremont Road, Surbiton – which is donating the prizes – so if people wish to they can also pop in to vote. Prizes will be awarded at the end of August.”

For more information on the scarecrow trail or to enter the competition click here.