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'Best of British' scarecrows on display in town

Chloe Harcombe,BBC News, West of Englandand
Alice Bouverie,BBC News, West of England
News imageA scarecrow of a King's Guard. It is dressed in a red jacket, a tall black fluffy hat and is stood with a replica gun. There is a Union Jack and bunting hanging next to it.
News imageA scarecrow of Paddington Bear. He is wearing a red hat and blue coat and carrying a briefcase. There are jars of marmalade on the ground next to him. The scarecrow is positioned with an arm in the air in front of a brick building.
Derek Tilney's scarecrow is guarding the town
Paddington in Malmesbury

An annual scarecrow trail has returned to a Wiltshire town.

Residents in Malmesbury have created 50 scarecrows to fit this year's theme "Best of British".

Scarecrows of Shaun the Sheep, Paddington Bear and a King's Guard complete with a replica bearskin cap are just some of the creations on display this year.

The competition runs until 25 August.

Resident Derek Tilney is the oldest entrant this year, with his King's Guard scarecrow.

The 92-year-old has been active in the community for the past 60 years and was awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to the town.

News imageA sign reading: "Best of British". It is written in blue letters. There is a paper sign next to it advertising the Malmesbury Carnival and Scarecrow Festival.
The theme for this year's trail is "Best of British"

Owain Cole, part of the Malmesbury Carnival and Scarecrow Crew, said the trail had been really well received.

"The skill of some people in creating these scarecrows is just amazing," he said.

Mr Cole added: "It's a brilliant way to give back to the community."

People hoping to follow the trail can purchase a map from the town hall.

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