Scary goings on in the village

Our weekend campsite was located near a small North Yorkshire village called Hinderwell which, as part of its annual summer gala, hosts a particularly strange - no, surreal - event: The Hinderwell Scarecrow Festival.

Started in 2002, it basically involves the local villagers taking a lot of time and trouble to make a scarecrow before sticking it out the front of their house. They stay out there for a week and there are prizes for the best efforts.

But the majority of these creations aren't just "ordinary" scarecrows (if there is such a thing). They're, well, weird scarecrows. And some are really, really weird.

I have four examples and, don't worry, I'll break you in gently.

First, there's PC Scarecrow.

More off-putting than weird this one, particularly if you're doing over 30mph through the village. Or running off with someone's telly.

Right, number two - slightly more weird but unquestionably creative and fun. Doctor Who Scarecrow and Dalek Scarecrow.

Fine efforts both.

OK, time to get weird. We've had PC Scarecrow - how's about non-PC Scarecrow? Yes, it's President Obama Scarecrow.

I don't know about you, but I think there's something just a little bit wrong about this one and it hard to say anything without getting into dodgy territory. But let me put it this way; President Obama is of mixed race and the maker of this particular scarecrow appears to have recreated one of The Drifters. I'm sure no offence was intended.

But I've left the best - and certainly the weirdest - until last.

Ladies and gentlemen...the late Michael Jackson Scarecrow.

One can be fairly certain that some offence was probably intended when this one was being conceived and, sure, why not.

It's maybe plain wrong but it's also plain brilliant. I'd love to know if it won -and I will try to find out.