CREATIVE characters attracted visitors to the annual Slingsby scarecrow festival.

The scarecrows were on display around the village from Saturday to Monday to raise funds for the Friends of Slingsby School. Traditional Maypole dancing also took place on Monday as part of the celebrations.

Winners of the scarecrow festival were Po from Kung Fu Panda by Andrew Watson, Animal created by Chris Conyers and the Big Friendly Giant by Georgina Burnett.

Rebecca Palmer-Bunting, chairman of the Friends, said: “We raised £870 over the weekend which we are all delighted with. Thank you to all those people that braved the weather over the weekend and joined in the family fun.

"Slingsby really came alive, particularly on Saturday afternoon when it was very busy."

“The money raised goes towards school trips and educational visits for all children within the school.”

Meanwhile, Jack o’ the Green made a special appearance at Sinnington’s May Fair on Monday.

After ringing the village hall’s bell to open the afternoon, he watched as children from the village’s primary school danced around the Maypole.

Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the activities and buy from the many stalls set around the green.

Eric Ward, chairman of the village hall committee, said it was a terrific afternoon.

He said: “The weather was kind to us after some heavy showers at lunchtime passed over and everyone’s hard work paid off to make the event a huge success.

"Money raised will help support a number of village groups and also the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity."