Town set for scarecrow invasion

The scarecrow competition runs until 30 August In pictures: Scarecrow competition

Residents in the tiny Stirlingshire village of Thornhill are preparing for a scarecrow invasion as the popularity of its annual contest hits a new high.

Organisers of the event, which is part of the gala celebrations, have said about 100 effigies are expected to appear around the village's streets.

The number of scarecrows created for the contest has risen from just six since its inception in 2004.

This year's competition will run from the 23 to 30 August.

Entrants will be competing in five categories, including the best recycled scarecrow and the most "outstanding in its field".

'Very competitive'

Seventy-five entry forms have already been snapped up by eager competitors, with organisers anticipating a lot more.

The winner will be announced on 30 August.

Entries to the competition so far have included an effigy of singer Amy Winehouse and a giant Postman Pat.

Event organiser, Sarah-Jane Tempest, said that during competition week the population of the tiny village expands considerably.

She said: "Over the years we have really seen this event capture the imagination of local residents.

"We're going to create a scarecrow star map for people so they can go around and see where all the scarecrows are.

"The whole competition has really grown arms and legs, people put a lot of effort into their scarecrows and get very competitive."

Last year's competition was won by a local farmer who created a cyclist colliding with a bale of hay.