Straw and order

Garstang OPGs Pam Hornby and Andrew Brown won first prize at the recent Garstang Scarecrow Festival.

Set on the banks of the River Wyre next to the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty, the historic Lancashire market town of Garstang hosted the second ever Scarecrow Festival last month.

Garstang delivery office manager, Stephen Wilkes, said: ‘This year, the local community chose ‘Heroes and Villains’ as the theme for the festival. The two scarecrows Pam and Andrew created were dressed in RAF clothing. One was in service dress and the other was kitted out in fighting gear alongside a Lancaster bomber model, holding a pint of our local brew, “Lancaster Bomber”. They also had Vera Lynn playing in the background on a loop.

‘There was a lovely moment when an 86-year-old lady was walking home with her shopping bags. She put her bags down and started waltzing to "We'll meet again" all by herself. It was so touching, I ended up crying watching her!’

As well as the competition, the fun-filled family weekend involved a funfair, face painting, mini zoo, live scarecrow fancy dress parade for adults and children, ice cream stalls, children’s entertainment, homemade cakes, a brass band, and Morris dancers.

‘We’re delighted to have won the first prize in the scarecrow competition as it is such a big event in Garstang,’ said Pam. ‘With our office situated in the town centre, we felt it was important the community saw a good entry from Royal Mail.’

‘After finishing second last year when we created Postman Pat, we are so pleased to win this year's competition among so many amazing entries,’ said Andy.