Black armband scarecrow tribute

The scarecrows are based on the Finnish Silent People

Scarecrows wearing black armbands are paying tribute to "perished comrades" which were damaged by vandals in Kent.

Hundreds of the figures have moved to Cowstead Farm, near Queenborough, on the Isle of Sheppey, in the latest stage of an ongoing art project.

Known as Hei People, they are based on the work of Finnish artist Reijo Kela.

Some of the scarecrows were destroyed while they were previously erected at Fort Amherst in Chatham. They have also appeared at Shorne, near Gravesend.

Several of the vandalised figures have been resurrected for the latest installation.

'Black ribbons'

Project manager Paivi Seppala: "We're hoping that the same fate doesn't come to the Hei People in Sheppey.

"They are wearing black ribbons in memory of their fellows from Fort Amherst."

The scarecrows are made from wood, straw and dirt, and are clothed with donations from charity shops.

They are based on the so-called Silent People - 1,000 scarecrows which have stood in northern Finland since 1994.

Pupils from Queenborough First School have created their own artwork based on the Hei People, which is on display at the Castle Gallery.