THIEVES have stolen a scarecrow tribute to the late pop star Prince.

The life-size model was among the creations at this year's Muston Scarecrow Festival near Scarborough.

Only its shoes were left behind. Organisers added a sign reading: "The scarecrow formerly known as Prince".

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A scarecrow of Dennis the Menace was also taken.

Several people on the festival facebook page reported that it had since been dumped on the A64 near Rillington, near Malton.

York Press:

The organisers wrote on facebook: "Oh well, it seems to happen every year, people don't seem to be able to share the spirit of our festival. the "Prince" Scarecrow was stolen last night and this is all we have left of that entry.
Here is what he looked like yesterday also. A note to the people/person that took it....the chains and jewellery were not real gold, the Jacket wasn't real leather and the Guitar was made of MDF!"

The Prince scarecrow came 10th in the competition. The winning creation was this Wacky Races display:

York Press: