BIRDS have been staying well away from Croft, near Darlington, after is staged its annual scarecrow weekend.

More than 30 scarecrows, made by village residents, were put on display to raise funds for the village hall association.

The event, in its fifth year, raised nearly £800.

Association chairwoman Sally Lilly said: "The weekend went really well and attracted people, young and old, from the village and beyond. There were scarecrows of all kinds of design and themes, and prizes were given to the top three."

Jacqui Sweeten won first prize for her scarecrow in the design of James Bond, which was holding a packet of bird seed instead of a gun.

In second place were Sue and Dave Tailford, who got inspiration for their scarecrow from Bertie Bassett

Third place went to Charles Headon who used a Bill and Ben theme.

Mrs Lilly said: "Some people make their scarecrows in the days running up to the event, but others spend weeks. I know the competition winner had her idea for a James Bond scarecrow nearly a year ago.

"People come from all over the region to see the scarecrows. It is a very popular weekend."

The event also featured children's sports, a cake and book stall, a tombola and raffle.