WHEELBARROW racing, scarecrow spotting and a weekend of fetes made for a festival extravaganza in Overton.

The fifth scarecrow festival returned to the village as a big success with more than £10,000 expected to be raised from the event.

The festivities began on Friday with teams donning quirky costumes for the wheelbarrow race, before Saturday’s grand fete, live music from Scarecrow Rocks, and the grand fete and dog show on Sunday at Bridge Street Recreation Ground.

Co-organiser Adrian Gibbons said: “There was excellent attendance over the whole weekend with marvellous scarecrows and wheelbarrow entries.

“This is a marvellous example of why people love the village.”

The grand fete saw various bands and dance schools entertain the crowds, as well as classic cars and traditional games.

Winners of the three scarecrow categories were announced on Saturday, with knitted bollards at Winchester Street, designed by Overton Knitting Club, claiming Best in Show.

Most Humorous top prize went to the Popovic family’s Donald Trump at Bridge Street, and Most Creative was won by The White Hart by Avalon Kalton.

Laverstoke Park’s tractor and trailer also took festival goers on rides around the village to see all the scarecrows out on display.

The next festival will go ahead in four years time, while the Wheelbarrow Race will continue as an annual event.

Money raised will support sports and recreation sites in the community.