A TREASURE hunt and scarecrow trail took place along Main Street and Old Lane in Hawksworth on Saturday, May 12.

Villagers and the school had made scarecrows to display along the route with occupations being the suggested - but not compulsory - theme.

A selection of more than 20 scarecrows including a midwife, nurse and physio made by villagers who work for the NHS. One scarecrow, created by Maureen Shepherd and Bernie Larkin, drew a lot of praise. It was a Zambian lady carrying a baby and drawing water from a pump as they support the Oasis charity which works to make clean water available to people living in Zambia.

The event, organised by Dorothy Pickersgill on behalf of Hawksworth Residents' Association started and finished at Hawksworth Chapel. When people arrived back for tea and cake they were asked to vote for their favourite scarecrow. A Hawksworth gardener, made by Hawksworth village gardening group leader Shirley Tillotson and her family received the most votes and she was presented with a garden gnome.

Seventeen teams took part in a treasure hunt and the winners were The Lawless Bandits made up of David and Maria Lawless (who have recently moved to the village) and two of their friends, and they too received a garden gnome. Everyone who displayed a scarecrow also received a mini gnome on a stick.

The scarecrows which drew most attention during the day were made by Steven Hudson and were of Prince Harry and Meghan. They were displayed at the junction of Odda Lane where the village has very recently put up a flag pole.

Dorothy Pickersgill said: "They would have probably scooped the winners prize if judged as a pair instead of as individuals. The village is often concerned about the speed of traffic through the village but on Saturday cars were driving very slowly to view and admire people's efforts and especially Harry and Meghan. It was hoped to leave Harry and Meghan there until their wedding on Saturday but Meghan got stolen on Saturday evening. The village is very saddened by this and is undecided at this point whether to try and create a new Meghan for Saturday."