Cradley Heath neighbours stage their own scarecrow festival

People living in The Crescent crafted their straw-stuffed creations to help gather the money to pay for a party to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next year.

The street became alive early on Saturday (October 16) morning with temporary straw-stuffed residents taking over gardens and driveways.

People of all ages joined in the fun, with more than 20 imaginative homemade wurzels dotted around homes including superheroes, film characters, a crime scene, David Bowie and a skelecrow, amongst others.

The judging took place on Sunday (October 17) with first place for the children's competition the super heroes entry, with second place going to Hermione Granger.

The the adults competition first place went to Skelecrow, with second place awarded to the David Bowie Ashes to Ashes entry.

Resident Ashley Almquest, aged 33, said: "The standard of the entries was really high. It was great fun - well done to everyone who took part.

"Everyone really enjoyed the VE Day celebrations - it brought people together and helped neighbours get to know each other a bit more.

"So we decided we would do a street party for the Queen's Jubilee next year and close the road with entertainment and food but the council said it will cost money to close it so we have decided to stage a series of fundraisers to get the money together to pay for it."

Celebrations marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will take place across the country next year over a bumper bank holiday weekend from June 2-5.

In 2022, The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952 when she was 25 years old.