Blackburn residents take part in third annual scarecrow trail

Around 25 householders from the Fernhurst and Oakdale community in Blackburn dressed the outside of their homes in Halloween-themed decorations so that families could wander around the estate searching for spooky scarecrows.

Some of the Fernhurst and Oakdale residents (Image: Public)

Amy Rhodes, one of the organisers of the event, which was £2 to enter and raised money for the Lancashire Poppy Appeal, the Veterans Living History Museum and the Benefice of the Redeemer Church, said: “This was our third year of running the event and the response was amazing.

“I think we had around one thousand people out on the trail.

Only Ghouls and Corpses by Jemma Caffrey & Harry Barlow (Image: Social media)

“There was such a good atmosphere on the estate as everyone pulled together to give our local community a fantastic day of family fun.

“The creativity and ideas for scarecrows this year was outstanding. Well done to everyone who took the time to make a scarecrow as part of the trail.”

Mr & Mrs Fang by Sarah Williams (Image: Public)

The event, which took place on Saturday, also included stalls and refreshments at the Benefice of the Redeemer Church on Jack Walker Way, and was rounded-off with a judged competition for the best decorated house and scarecrow on the trail.

Chief Inspector Rick Ogden from and Duncan Balderson from the Veterans Living History Museum judged the entries, with The Wandering Spider by Sonia Duffin scooping the top prize.

The Wandering Spider by Sonia Duffin (Image: Public)

In second place came The Ghost Train by resident Heather Beswick, while third place was won by Sarah Williams for her Mr and Mrs Fang entry.

The People’s Choice winner was Only Ghouls and Corpses by Jemma Caffrey and Harry Barlow.

Organiser Laura Leilani said: “On our third year of the trail, it was great to be able to expand our event with the support of the local church.

“I was delighted that we could also host the Veterans Living History Museum - our estate is always happy to support the Royal British Legion and it meant a lot to have them at the event as one of the charities that will benefit from the scarecrow trail fundraising.”

- The Ghost Train by Heather Beswick (Image: Public)

The Vicar Reverend Chris Anderton also dressed up as a scarecrow to join in the Halloween fun.  

The Vicar Rev Chris Anderton (Image: Public)