STRANGE characters are decorating the shop windows and street corners of Barnard Castle.

Organisers of next weekend's Meet raised extra funds with a scarecrow competition, with entries coming from all over the town.

Shrek, a farmer, a priest, a hairdresser and a builder are among the entries competing for the £50 first prize.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony to crown the Meet Queen, which takes place at Scar Top on Saturday at 11am.

Meet committee chair Rachel Tweddle said: "The scarecrows have created a lot of interest."

The Meet takes place next weekend, ending on Monday with a procession to the Lower Demesne field where there will be a craft fair and activities.

On Sunday, there is an open air Rhythm and Blues Festival, from 12.30 to 8pm.