HOME-MADE scarecrows went on display around Toton as part of a new community event.
The stuffed creations were kitted out in a variety of outfits from purple tights to lab coats, some of them relaxing in deck chairs or perched on walls at the village's first scarecrow festival.
Each one of the 33 scarecrows had been made by different community groups in Toton, with schoolchildren, Scouts, Brownies and church groups all taking part.
Organisers, husband and wife Andrew, 57, and Lynne Pearson, 53, of Bridge North Way, Toton, said the festival had brought people from the community together.
"It originated as an idea to join as many church and community groups together as possible and we were amazed when we had 33 groups sign up," said Andrew, a member of Toton Churches and head teacher at Bramcote Hills School, in Bramcote.
"All of the groups taking part had to create a scarecrow and scene."
He said the theme was not just the traditional harvest festival, but also included elements involved in the creation of food worldwide, such as coal, power and the weather.
"The idea now is to get as many members of the community involved in enjoying the displays and activities," he added.
"We opened at 10am and just one person turned up but then it was rammed and both churches were full. We are delighted by how popular it's been and that people chose to take part.
"As a church we want to reach out to the community and invite them to come in and see what we are all about."
Toton Churches includes St Peter's Church and the Methodist Church, both in High Street.
The scarecrows and scenes were spread between the two churches and included a scientist scarecrow dressed in a lab coat to represent genetically-modified food, a TV weather map made of scrunched-up tissue paper and a fisherman.
Methodist Church minister Antony Oakley was also pleased with the turnout.
"This is a fantastic community event and it's lovely to see people of all ages enjoying themselves and having a good time," he said.
"That's really where we want the church to be – at the heart of the community, it's great."
As well as locating each individual scarecrow, children were given the opportunity to take part in games and crafts.
Vegetables were available to create different characters and animals, apples hung from the ceiling for children to try to grab using just their teeth while others were shown how to make corn dolls from straw.
Julie Jennings had come to the festival with her two daughters Grace, five, and Daisy, two.
"It's been really good, it's brought everyone together and it's been great for the children," said Julie, 44, of Long Eaton.
"People have gone to a lot of effort and it really shows."
Anthony Taylor, 72, of Toton, was also impressed with the different scarecrows.
He said: "They're brilliant, Some are really life-like.
"I think the whole event is excellent.
"It's brought lots of people in and everyone seems to be really enjoying it."