THE best weather in its three-year history ensured that more people than ever before attended the scarecrow trail in the villages of Hillcott and Bottlesford, near Pewsey, at the weekend.

With the theme of children’s TV past and present, visitors were delighted by the 30 figures created by villagers for the event on Saturday and Sunday.

The scarecrow trail is the brainchild of 17-year-old Matthew Wilson, a student at St John's Academy in Marlborough, who had fond memories of visiting the scarecrow trail at Urchfont when he was a youngster.

Matthew said: “I remember it was brilliant so three years ago I decided that Hillcott ought to have its own scarecrow trail.”

He was supported by many other villagers but the first two festivals were plagued by indifferent weather.

Despite one of the wettest Julys in recent years, Saturday and Sunday proved bright and sunny and hundreds of people took advantage of the weather to enjoy the scarecrows and patronise the barbecue and the tea stall in the village hall.

The award for best scarecrow went to Nigel Spanswick and family for their depiction of the popular cartoon Wacky Racers.

Matthew said: “I want to thank so many people for their help, but mainly Paul and Malcolm Baker for manning the barbecue, Sally Brass for organising the teas in the village hall and Andrew Ford for letting us use his field for parking.

“Thanks also to all the cake makers and scarecrow creators.”

Matthew is studying for four A-levels, in law, psychology, business studies and economics.

It is not yet known how much was raised from the event, but all proceeds will go towards funding a defibrillator on the main road near the Woodbridge Inn and supporting St James’ Church in North Newnton.