THE response to a village’s first-ever scarecrow trail was none too shabby.

The Friends of Longhope Church had asked villagers to get creative to help the tower restoration appeal at the medieval church - and they were delighted by how people rallied round.

Dozens of families picked up a map of the trail and did a quiz which had clues with every scarecrow.

The trail included 27 scarecrows which ranged from movie and book characters such as the beloved Peter Rabbit to Henry VIII and a Forest miner.

Tina Coull, of the Friends, explained: "We are appealing for help to raise more than £165,000 for the refurbishment of the tower which is a Grade II listed building and dates back to the 12th century."

She said the trail had created a "real buzz" in the village and there were plans to repeat it.

"It’s brought people together who previously didn’t know each other."

The appeal has benefited from a £60,000 legacy but the other £100,000 will have to be raised by the village.

Rev Lara Bloom said the two-day event had been a great success and not just in terms of fund-raising.

She said: "It’s been wonderful because it has really brought the community together.

"Everyone has been so imaginative with their scarecrows."

Visitors really took the creations to heart."

Donna Baileym who has lived in the village all her life, was delighted to see so many people taking an interest.

Her scarecrow was inspired by the ’tramps’ who used to come through the village.

She said: "It’s brought together people you didn’t realise lived in the village.

The trail was timed to coincide with Harvest at All Saints Church.

The church was decorated with flowers and Harvest produce and the weekend finished with a family service, harvest supper and fun auction.