WHAT is it about scarecrows that has made them so popular?

This weekend festivals celebrating the figures usually only found in fields, have been held at both ends of East Lancashire.

Between them they attracted thousands of visitors who were able to get out into our lovely countryside.

In Trawden, the Mad Hatter’s tea party, complete with fairy cakes, competed against Hansel and Gretal’s gingerbread house for top honours as the best entry.

And in Hoddlesden there was everyone from an escaped prisoner to a school teacher and thatcher.

There was even the Cod Father and his wife outside the village’s fish and chip shop.

Events such as these bring communities together and take months of work, ingenuity and thought to create.

And throughout the process there is much good humoured rivalry as well as a chance for inspired design.

Such traditions should be maintained and events like his need to be celebrated.

Long live our scarecrows!