Annual Lyndhurst scarecrow trail included the Joker, Wind in the Willows, and Simpsons characters

CHARACTERS from popular TV programmes, films and books were among the entries for this year’s annual Lyndhurst Scarecrow Trail.

The popular event, which started in 2021, is organised by local residents and parents with children at St Michael and All Angels Infant School.

Held on Saturday and Sunday, there were 79 entries from households and businesses, including characters from The Simpsons, Wind in the Willows and the Joker. Other entries included a showjumping horse, pirates and firefighters, alongside Halloween-themed pumpkins, a skeleton, and the Addams Family.

Thousands are thought to have attended, with just under £3,000 raised for the school.

A spokesperson for the event said: “A huge thank-you to every single person who purchased a map and came out, even in the rain, to hunt down our creations.

“The village was buzzing and seeing everyone, young and old, enjoying the trail means everything. We hope you all had a great time.

“Our creators upped their game massively this year and it’s thanks to them that this trail is what it is. All our scarecrows were unreal, and the effort put into them all has absolutely blown us away. What legends you all are.”

This year’s winner, organisers confirmed, was the Saddle Up Saloon.

The spokesperson also thanked residents from Forest Gardens, who created a Wind in the Willows tea party, serving refreshments to raise even more for the event, sponsor Spotlight Homes, and the Co-op for selling the trail maps.

A barn dance at The Stag Hotel was “epic”, the spokesperson added.

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