A GROUP of scarecrow enthusiasts have raised more than £1,000 for two charities through their annual festival.

Around 15 scarecrows were displayed around Polegate, near Eastbourne, and were judged by the mayor of Polegate, Douglas Murray.

There were four awards up for grabs, best in show, best display of scarecrows, people’s choice and a highly commended award.

Nathan Dunbar, head of events for Polegate Scarecrows Community Fund, said: “Thank you very much to all the scarecrow creators for continuing to support us, especially this year as Polegate Scarecrow Festival continues to raise much-needed funds for charities for five consecutive years.

The Argus: Polegate Sundowners' Alice in Wonderland displayPolegate Sundowners' Alice in Wonderland display

“We have raised over £5,000 now for local causes.”

Mayor Douglas Murray said: “As mayor of Polegate, I was privileged to be involved with the award presentations and I was honoured to award the best in show for Polegate’s Scarecrow Competition 2022 to Debbie.

“Her scarecrow was judged to be the winner this year. It was astonishingly devised and constructed from several items purchased from charity shops in the town, donated by others or found in the garden.

The Argus: Debbie Gearing, left, won the best in show awardDebbie Gearing, left, won the best in show award

“This included a vintage scooter, handmade union jack flag and various wigs. I even spotted string platted into hair, this is a superb example of the resourcefulness of the residents in our town.”

Debbie Gearing won the best in show award for her display of a family of scarecrows sitting in the garden.

Lola, from Polegate, was given a “highly commended” award for her “gangster granny” scarecrow.

The Argus: From left, Douglas Murray, Nathan Dunbar and LolaFrom left, Douglas Murray, Nathan Dunbar and Lola

Another entry was a flying scarecrow on the side of someone’s house.

There was also an Alice in Wonderland display that won "best display".

The scarecrows were on show around the town for two weeks until the judging on Saturday, July 23.

The competition raised more than £1,000, donating £501.65 to both St Wilfrid’s Hospice and SERV Sussex, a charity that provides transport services for blood and other urgent medical items for NHS hospitals.