THE winners of a scarecrow competition, which coincided with the Ilminster Midsummer Experience, have been announced.

Judges Cllrs Roger Swann, Linda Vijeh and Val Keitch picked the winners from 11 entries in the town, including individual residents, local businesses, care homes and schools.

First, second and third prizes were awarded, earning the winners £30, £20 and £15 respectively.

The scarecrows were assessed against criteria including strength, durability, imagination and character.

First went to the Topiary scarecrow, entered by Nigel and Ann Clymow, of 2 The Heights, thanks to its excellent use of natural living materials and impressive creativity.

Second went to Footballers with The Queen, entered by Hazelwell Lodge Residential Home, Station Road. The judges found the entry was a topical subject, durable, highly visible and made good use of natural materials.

In third was Humpty Dumpty scarecrow, entered by Cygnets Pre-School. Judges found this entry very imaginative.

Cllr Swann said: “This was a good way to make us all get some much needed exercise, as the entries were well spread out across the town, and on our route we met a number of people who mentioned how impressed they had been.”

Winners were set to be presented with their prizes at Ilminster Town Council’s planning, highways and transport meeting last night (Tuesday).