WEEKEND sunshine brought out the scarecrows - and the crowds - at a festival in one of the most picturesque villages in the Ludlow area.

A weekend of family fun at Brampton Bryan brought visitors from far and wide to make the eighth annual scarecrow festival among the most successful ever.

The event in aid of St Barn-abas Church included an invitation to follow the trail of about 20 wild and wacky scarecrows created by villagers.

The scarecrow show with a sports theme was backed up by children's races and a number of other games and sports activities.

Residents and visitors also had a chance to enjoy the beautiful gardens and castle of the Harley estate which opened to the public.

Plant, produce and crafts stalls and village workshops as well as an organ recital and a demonstration by the local farrier were all described by organiser Jean Richards as a huge success. She added: "The church looked wonderful. With the beautiful weather it was all in all a wonderful two days."