VISITORS to Audlem at the weekend were doing a double take as they passed the village's newest 'inhabitants'.

It was all part of the annual Audlem Scarecrow Trail which featured figures of all shapes and sizes.

Audlem District Amenities Society chairman Ralph Warburton said: 'It was extremely successful. The scarecrows were impressive and more than 300 people visited and walked round the 10 open gardens across the village.

'A silent auction, which was held in the Public Hall, was a great success and included lots ranging from a signed Jensen Button F1 podium cap to a bag of logs.' Amongst the entries in the scarecrow trail this year was a version of the Queen and some more laid-back scarecrows watching the World Cup on a sofa.

Pupils from Audlem St James Primary School also caught their Royal guard asleep on the job!

On Sunday, the 12 entries were judged to be equally impressive and it was decided everyone was a winner.

The money raised from the sale of programmes and from the silent auction goes towards caring for the beauty, history and character of the Audlem, Buerton, Coxbank and Lightwood Green area.

Mr Warburton added: 'The village is now gearing up for the Proms in the Park this weekend which looks set to be excellent.'