Express & Star

GALLERY: Scarecrows fill villages for charity fun

Villagers have been competing for the top spot as part of a scarecrow competition.

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Stuart Bailey and Earl Edwards with five year old Amelia-Mae Smith, who has created a scarecrow in a wheelchair based on herself

Residents in Bilbrook and Codsall have been taking part in the village wide competition throughout June.

There have been more than 60 homemade scarecrows entered into the competition.

Miranda Askwith, who lives in Codsall, aged 55, organiser and carer, invited all residents to take part in the contest as a fun way to brighten up the area and spread some cheer during lockdown.

She said: "Everybody has been feeling so miserable, so I wanted to do something to cheer people up.

"Originally, entries were meant to close at the end of April, but then more and more people wanted to take part so I extended it until June 30.

"It is marvellous how many people have gotten involved, it has helped to bring the villages together and really shown some community spirit.

"All of the entries have been brilliant and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved."

In the run up to the closing date charity marathon fundraisers, Stuart Bailey and Earl Edwards - also known as Peppa Pig and Pink Panther - have been visiting homes and families to marvel at their creations.

The pair recently ran 100-miles to raise funds for New Cross Hospital.

Despite the scorching temperatures they have both worn their full costumes and have been collecting funds for the NHS.

Stuart, aged 47 from Codsall, said: "Pink Panther and myself were asked to help look and inspect the scarecrows.

"Last week we visited over 30 and this week the same but more keep appearing.

"The local roads been flooded with cars of people scarecrow spotting.

"Its been a brilliant lockdown idea that has got everyone talking."

Pictures of each entry have been posted to a Facebook group where members will vote for their favourite scarecrows when the competition closes on June 30.

There will be prizes for first, second and third for children and adults.

Miranda is also organising a charity raffle with the help of Motorworld Bilbrook and Drinks Express who have helped to sell tickets.

A number of residents and local businesses including Budgens, Bennetts Butchers, WOW hair salon, The Hive, Spangles Sweet Shop, Rainbow Too gift shop, Charlie's sports bar, The Firs pub, Vibe Boutique all three chip shops in Codsall and Bilbrook and Wolverhampton Adventure Golf have donated prizes for winners.

Members of the Facebook group will vote for which charity they would like funds to go out of Scouts, Rainbows, towards a defibrillator or a local food bank.

Residents have requested for the competition to become an annual event.

Miranda added: "We are now considering making it a yearly competition with a £5 entry fee so we already have some money to donate to charity.

"It also helps to bring people into the villages who might want to buy things from our local shops or visit pubs when they reopen."

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