MEN of straw, or indeed paper mache, are scattered all around Sandleheath as the flourishing community holds its fifth scarecrow competition.

Community spirit has taken off in the village since the first scarecrow competition was held in 2011.

This year, Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally, a hitch hiker and Noddy and Big Ears are just some of the creations standing on the roadside or peeking out from shrub, flower bed and wall.

Every year since 2011, new and even more creative scarecrows come out for a week before the community get together on the green for a summer fete, which was re-established in 2011 after 11 years.

Sandleheath Community Association, which was launched by Kathryn Coyle to put the heart back into the village, organises the event, which includes scarecrows, a dog show and village fete.

The fete is being held this Saturday at Sandleheath Top Common.