PASSERS-BY would have been mistaken for claiming to spot Gordon Brown hiding behind a tree in Culmstock recently.

Others may be forgiven for believing they caught a glimpse of a casual heir to the throne leaning against a gatepost in the village.

On a second glance, visitors would realise these are in fact stuffed effigies of the former Prime Minister and Prince Charles which adorned the parish streets last week in the build up to the Culmstock Festival on Sunday.

Residents grasped the opportunity to create their own dummies using a range of old clothes, straw and sticks for the Scarecrow Competition.

Dee Vincent, who lives at Heathfield in nearby Burlescombe, said there are seven near her home alone.

She said: "It was Bank Holiday weekend and we were trying to raise money for local organisations in the parish but we were just joining in, not running or organising anything. We had some brilliant scarecrows and wanted people to see them."

The Vincents created a family scene with a mother and daughter sat on the fence with a barrow of apples.

Mrs Vincent said they made their scarecrows using chicken wire and bubble wrap. Old clothes were acquired from an Oxfam charity shop and other family members.

She added: "We have all done our own individual scarecrows and they were scattered throughout the village and there were quite a lot of people entering the competition.

"But this was a one-off. I can't be doing it again as it is hard work.

"They were all out last week and judging was on Sunday but we had a Gordon Brown hiding behind a tree and another of Prince Charles leaning nonchalantly against a gate post.

"There was also a tramp cooking sausages in a frying pan," she added.

Culmstock Festival, which was held near the cemetery and Fry's Farm, has gained the support of businesses across the region — including Voxus Design and Supacat.

Youngsters had the opportunity to explore one of Supacat's military vehicles and learn a range of circus and bushcraft skills on the day.

Music by local bands and artists including the Thorvertones and Alex Hart entertained and some of revellers supped ale in the beer tent and took part in a rounders tournament. Local food and produce was sold on the day and face painting and bouncy castles kept the youngsters amused.