ONE quarter of a prize-winning scarecrow display has mysteriously disappeared on the eve of Barnard Castle's Meet Carnival.

The bridesmaid from the display on the steps of Barnard Castle Methodist Church vanished on Thursday night.

Worries that she may have ran away with the groom were unfounded because he remains by his wife's side along with the vicar.

The display, one of about 50 around the town, won the award for the best non-residential display, with a prize to be handed out today.

Sharon Walker, organiser of the competition, said: "It's a bit of a shame because it's the first time we've done this competition and it has been such a big success.

"It'll be a pity that we won't have the full display here when the prizes are handed out."

Earlier last week, arsonists set fire to the choir girl scarecrow outside St Mary's Church.

Winners of the residential scarecrow display were a family from Vere Road in the town, who set up fairies on the wall of their house.