Their straw-stuffed doppelgangers were on display around Harpole at this year's Scarecrow Festival, which had this year taken an Olympic theme.

Among the scarecrows on display were ones of 14-year-old diver Tom Daly, a gymnast, footballers and a scarecrow which, a sign read, had been removed due to a positive drugs test.

Tours on open-top buses were available around the village and proceeds from the festival will go to good causes in the village, including the Playing Fields Playground Project, the Boys Brigade, All Saints Church and the Girl Guides. Villagers also sold refreshments to visitors and there were games and activities for families to participate in.

Joint organiser Tracy Smethers said: "We've got at least 200 scarecrows and the turnout has been good, we've been very busy. There are some very creative scarecrows and people in the village have really put a lot of effort in. It's absolutely fantastic the way that the village has pulled together."

Harpole resident Emie Kitson, aged 31, was one of those who took part in the festival, making a Doctor Who scarecrow with matching Tardis.

She said: "We come to the festival every year and we absolutely love it. It's such a vibrant fun thing to do and it's good exercise for the kids. The Temple of Doom scarecrow is amazing."

The Bannister family travelled from Daventry to see Harpole's scarecrows. Michael, aged 45, said: "We have been before and our sons Thomas and Joseph really like the scarecrows. It's impressive what the people here have done."