COLOURFUL scarecrows created by schoolchildren have been standing guard at the Wimpole Estate this week.

The National Trust held a Scarecrow Competition in partnership with the Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust, with 10 schools submitting entries which are now on display in the Walled Garden at Wimpole.

Philip Whaites, head gardener at the Wimpole Estate, said: “The scarecrows in the Walled Garden really do look great and you find the unexpected amongst the produce, they will really add a bit of spooky atmosphere to the garden, which is great.

“The children came up with some really interesting ideas, and they certainly add some colour to the garden. I think the birds have been very interested in what they are.”

The Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust provided �50 prizes for the best scarecrows, and these were presented by the trust’s president, Lord Fairhaven, at a ceremony last Friday.

Petersfield School in Orwell received the prize for the scariest scarecrow, while awards were also given to Meldreth Primary School and Hauxton Primary School.

The scarecrows will be on display at Wimpole until next Friday, November 9.