Famous faces turned into scarecrows for town event

Feathers McGraw, Spongebob and Harry Kane are among those lining the streets of a town hoping to be recognised for its community efforts.

Castle Cary residents have made more than 120 scarecrows for the Britain in Bloom competition, which will be assessed by Royal Horticultural Society judges on Thursday.

While a lot of effort has been put into the scarecrows, other attractions for Cary in Bloom include a living wall on the town's bus shelter, allotments, and a garden at the town's primary school.

Britain in Bloom said it aims to inspire community groups to make positive changes to their local environment, and residents will find out in the autumn if they have won a medal.

Residents, businesses, and the local school have all been involved in Cary in Bloom.

Sarah Martin, headteacher of Castle Cary Primary School, said it had been "chaos" as 192 pupils worked together to make 14 scarecrows.

"Straw everywhere, sticks everywhere," she said.

"Total carnage."

The Britain in Bloom campaign encourages people to make their community more appealing.

It said taking part can lead to an increase in visitor numbers, a stronger sense of pride of place, and funding opportunities to support projects.

Penny Steiner, who helped organise Castle Cary's efforts, said: "We got the community to collect tin cans, plants were grown from seed and people nurtured them from spring."

Carly Pattison from town business, Flowers and Home Somerset, said the efforts of Castle Cary residents had brought about "a great sense of community".

"It's just a great bit of fun," she said.

"Lots of people are going to be about, as we all are at the moment."

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