VISITORS to Darcy Lever could have been forgiven for thinking they had arrived in the Land of Oz as they were greeted by scarecrows at every turn.

The village staged its first scarecrow festival, with all ages coming up with wacky and wonderful creations to make it a huge success.

Score of people got involved with couples, children, families and the local school pitching in to create the most eye-catching scarecrow, all themed on nursery rhymes.

There was Humpty Dumpty, who was crowned the winner, as Jack and Jill, a sheep, Little Bo Peep and many other characters were brought to life as a scarecrow.

A team from St Stephen and All Martyrs’ Church in Radcliffe Road organised the event for Saturday, with the scarecrows making an appearance in people’s gardens and the local school at first light.

Marilyn Stirzaker, a member of the organising committee, said it proved a real success.

“The sun came out, so we were very lucky with the weather.

“It was organised because Darcy Lever is close knit and we wanted to get people involved in the community.

“We had couples taking part, and the youngest was 18 months-old who made a sheep.

”We had someone from Breightmet make a scarecrow too as they attend the church here.”

The festival which saw scarecrows displayed in Darcy Lever, as well as areas of the Haulgh coincided with the village fair.

Mrs Stirzaker said: “It was very popular, so busy that we ran out of bread and had to go out and get some more!”

Rebekah Trengove, aged 11, said: “The scarecrow festival was really fun. I liked looking at what other people had made and their ideas.

“I made a Jack and Jill scarecrow and it was fun to make, it was hard work but we did it in a day.

“Everyone really enjoyed it.”

The aim is to re-stage the event every two years, alternating with the church’s Christmas Tree festival.