CHARACTERS ranging from Hogwarts pupil Harry Potter to Nanny McPhee could be spotted in a village at the weekend.

More than 50 creations were on display – in private gardens, at business premises and churches – as Cullingworth staged its annual scarecrow festival.

Crowds flocked to the event, held on Saturday and Sunday.

Some walked around the village, using a map and list of scarecrows to spot the entrants, while others took advantage of a minibus tour.

The theme this year was Jobs and Education.

Since the festival – now in its 17th year – was first held, thousands of pounds have been raised for charity.

Proceeds are split between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

Although the total from the weekend is still to be totted-up, organisers say they are delighted with how it went.

Mrs Rosemary Spencer, for the organising committee, said: “Everything went really well.

“The weather was incredible and the refreshments did a great trade – especially the ice creams and drinks!

“The minibus tour was also very popular – it was packed out.

“We had another great turnout both from people within the village and visitors from outside the area – including a family which travels over from Manchester every year.

“The standard of the scarecrows is just fantastic. The creativity is brilliant and people put so much work into making them.

“Since the festival was first held it has continued to grow, and we now average about £750 a year for each charity ­— which is a brilliant sum for two worthy causes, whose services any of us could need at any time.”

Mrs Spencer pays tribute to everybody who contributed to the festival.

She added: “Thanks go to everyone who produced scarecrows, those who sold refreshments and ran stalls, the minibus drivers, people who donated prizes, the committee for all its hard work and everybody who gave their support. Without everyone’s involvement, the event wouldn’t be the success it is.”